Rangers’ Joc Pederson goes 0-for-4 in return from damaged hand
ARLINGTON, Texas — Joc Pederson returned to the Texas Rangers’ lineup Sunday after lacking 52 video games due to a damaged proper hand.
Pederson, who joined Texas on a $37 million, two-year contract throughout free company in December, went 0-for-4 — starting with a first-inning strikeout with the bases loaded. He batted fifth because the designated hitter for Texas, which beat the Atlanta Braves 8-1 to brush the three-game collection and run its profitable streak to 6.
“It was a very long time,” Pederson mentioned. “First at-bat undoubtedly sped up on me loads. Bases loaded first one. Was not a superb at-bat. However after that it began to decelerate somewhat bit. It began to really feel higher, actually favored some swings.
“It was an enormous win. That is a very powerful factor is we gained, and you retain stacking these and getting my ft beneath me, and we’ll be good to go.”
Pederson hit .131 with two residence runs and 6 RBIs in his first 46 video games with the Rangers. The 2-time World Sequence champion was at .052 by 19 video games after a 0-for-41 stoop.
“Joc, he is making an attempt to get his timing,” Rangers supervisor Bruce Bochy mentioned after the sport. “It was nice to have him on the market. We signed Joc to be a part of this offense, an enormous a part of this offense, a man that may hit within the coronary heart of the order, drive in runs. He ought to make us a greater offense.”
The 33-year-old’s hand was damaged Could 24 when it was hit by an 87.5 mph cutter from Chicago White Sox right-hander Bryse Wilson.
Pederson made his thirty ninth begin, his thirty seventh at DH, with two at first base. Bochy mentioned Pederson once more will primarily be a DH.
After being a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Sequence title performed at Globe Life Area to finish the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, Pederson was with the Braves for his or her championship the next yr.
To make room for Pederson on the lively roster, infielder/outfielder Michael Helman was optioned to Triple-A Spherical Rock.