The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Joc Pederson from the 10-day disabled list and placed Adrian Gonzalez on the DL. It marks the first time in Gonzalez’s career he’s been put on the disabled list.
That amounts to 1,833 games played over 14 seasons without going inactive. Gonzalez was bothered by right-elbow inflammation in Spring Training and more recently a bulging disc in his back.
That’s the same injury Gonzalez suffered from last season, which he treated with an epidural injection. Gonzalez being shelved creates yet another opportunity for Cody Bellinger, who can now play his natural position on a regular basis.
Pederson was put on the DL with a groin strain on April 24. He was removed in the bottom of the sixth inning the afternoon prior due to groin tightness. The 25-year-old is batting .220/.322/.340 with three doubles, one home run and seven RBI over 18 games (13 starts) this season. He’s drawn seven walks and struck out 18 times in 59 plate appearances.
Pederson recovered ahead of schedule and began a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday. The first game initially wasn’t expected to come until Wednesday.
He served as the Quakes’ designated hitter, then played center field in two ensuing games. Pederson went 1-for-7 with three walks and three strikeouts during the three-game rehab assignment.
