Needing a win against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday night to avoid their first series loss of the season, the Los Angeles Dodgers provided Mookie Betts with rest and also were without Joc Pederson.
Manager Dave Roberts declined to divulge the reason behind Pederson’s excused absence, only to say it was family related. “Joc is fine,” Roberts added. “We’ve obviously talked to him and feel good about it. If we have to make a roster move on Tuesday, we will.”
He also left open the possibility the 28-year-old would arrive at Dodger Stadium in time to participate in the series finale. But Roberts said after the loss to the Rockies that Pederson was not present.
“I should know more and I think everyone will know more [Monday] morning,” he said. The vague remarks and suggestion that news was forthcoming fueled the idea that Pederson was with his wife as the couple are expecting their second child.
As of this publishing, Pederson nor his wife has publicly shared any information on a potential birth. It’s also unclear if he travelled with the team or plans to meet the Dodgers in Arizona, where they begin a three-game series against the Diamondbacks Tuesday night.
The Dodgers then have an off day Friday before facing the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium for two games this weekend.
Pederson would be eligible to be placed on the paternity list for up to three days.
Roberts pleased with accomplishment, focused on moving forward
The Dodgers became the last team to lose a series this season, a streak Roberts both was pleased with and not losing sleep over it being snapped by the Rockies. “It’s great. I think it was a good run,” he said.
“You’ve got to hand it to the Rockies. They got after it. You could see their energy. We got beat the last two nights, and that’s going to happen. Off day, then we’re going to Arizona, and we’ve got to play good baseball. I just like the way we’re playing, so we’ll be fine.”
With their win last Friday, the Dodgers matched the franchise record for best 40-game start to a season at 30-10. And with a run differential greater than 100 during that span, they look to join a list of World Series winners.
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