The Atlanta Braves’ visit to Dodger Stadium gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a third opportunity to catch up with Joc Pederson this season.
Pederson began the year with the Chicago Cubs and faced his former teammates for the first time in May during a three-game series at Wrigley Field. The teams met again in June at Dodger Stadium, marking Pederson’s first return since departing the Dodgers as a free agent.
He was presented his 2020 World Series ring prior to the opener of the series and also received a tribute video.
Pederson was traded to the Braves in July and has gotten off to a good start with his new organization, batting .244/.338/.423 with five doubles, five home runs and 17 RBI in his first 39 games.
“Joc is a great teammate. He was a very good Dodger, the guys like him, he plays hard and he’s prepared. To see the success that he’s had with the Braves, on a contending team, is no surprise,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“I was lucky to have him a part of our ballclub and hope he just doesn’t hurt us this series. Outside of that, I wish him all the best.”
Pederson did not start in Monday’s series opener with the left-hander Julio Urias on the mound but entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the top of the eighth inning and grounded out.
Pederson returned to the Braves lineup for the next two contests and most notably reached base twice against Walker Buehler on Tuesday, including a home run to lead off the third.
Buehler credits Pederson for hitting home run
Although Pederson’s home run broke a scoreless tie, it didn’t factor into the decision as the Dodgers rallied late to earn a 3-2 win. The ball traveled 398 feet into the right field pavilion and had an exit velocity of 105 mph.
“I know I’m going to get a text or whatever from him now,” Buehler said after the Dodgers’ comeback win.
“I’m not too sure how I feel about that. People aren’t supposed to hit that pitch that way. Joc certainly has some skills in doing things like that, that not many people can. We got the win, and that’s all I really care about.”
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