The Los Angeles Dodgers were without the services of several key players last week due to injuries and illnesses. The group included Joc Pederson, who continues making progress from a right side/hip issue that has prevented him from appearing in a Cactus League game to this point.
With less than three weeks until Opening Day, Pederson was recently cleared to participate in Spring Training workouts. He took another step closer towards returning to the Dodgers by suiting up in a Minor League game over the weekend.
Pederson received five at-bats in the contest, playing a total of five innings. He most encouragingly did not suffer any setbacks and could soon make his 2020 Spring Training debut on the Major League side.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that if all goes well, Pederson could appear in his first Cactus League game by the end of the week, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Joc Pederson saw his first game action of the spring, playing five innings and taking five at-bats in a minor-league camp game Sunday. Roberts said he could be in a Cactus League game by the end of the week.
Prior to taking the field on Sunday, Pederson had been limited to playing catch, taking swings in the batting cage and bunting drills. He also stood in on a recent Clayton Kershaw bullpen session.
Pederson is among the handful of Dodgers players that could soon return to action after dealing with respective injuries and illnesses. Among them is Mookie Betts, who has been sidelined since the middle of last week due to a stomach issue.
Betts is expected to return to the Dodgers lineup on Wednesday, and Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor also made their way back late last week following brief bouts with back and shoulder trouble.
Dustin May and Jimmy Nelson have each resumed throwing as well, though it is believed they are further away from a potential return. The right-handed pitchers are both expected to begin the 2019 season in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
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