By STEVEN WINE
AP Sports Writer

MIAMI — Major league batting leader Dee Gordon goes about his business so quietly his .426 average was news to Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was startled to discover the eye-popping statistic while preparing for the start of his team’s weekend series against Gordon and the Miami Marlins. The teams are NL East rivals, but Gonzalez said he was unaware of Gordon’s hitting tear because the Marlins spent the past week on the West Coast.

Spread the news: The speedy Gordon began the weekend with a lead of 59 points over the second-best hitter in the majors, the Dodgers’ Adrian Gonzalez at .367.

Gordon also led the majors with 58 hits. It has been 56 years since a player had more hits through his first 32 games, according to STATS.