The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Joc Pederson from the paternity list and optioned Matt Beaty to their alternate training site at USC on Friday.
Although the Dodgers are off, Pederson’s activation was required after spending the maximum three days on the paternity list. Manager Dave Roberts had previously indicated the 28-year-old outfielder would return for the weekend series with the Houston Astros.
Pederson was not with the for the three-game finale against the Colorado Rockies, then he missed the entire Arizona Diamondbacks series. Pederson has not made a public announcement, but he and wife were expecting their second child.
Pederson has struggled to get on track this season, batting .184/.286/.398 with three doubles, six home runs and 12 RBI over 34 games (31 starts). Last year, Pederson set career highs in batting average (.249), runs (83), hits (112), home runs (36), RBI (74) and on-base plus slugging percentage (.876).
This season he again has platooned in left field but the success of AJ Pollock and Dodgers rotating players to provide rest has also reduced the number of opportunities for Pederson to start as designated hitter.
Beaty similarly has struggled this season, albeit in even fewer chances. He’s appeared in 21 games and hit .220/.278/.360 with two home runs and five RBI. Beaty had been with the Dodgers since the season began, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster for the first time in his young career.
Beaty made his MLB debut last season, went on to appear in 99 games and batted .265/.317/.458 with 19 doubles, nine home runs and 46 RBI. In optioning Beaty, the Dodgers kept Josh Sborz, who was recalled when Pederson was placed on the paternity list earlier this week.
Turner likely out for Astros series
Although the Dodgers have welcomed back Pederson, they don’t expect to have Justin Turner for the two games with the Astros. He has been on the IL since Sept. 1 (retroactive to Aug. 29) with a left hamstring strain.
Turner has made steady progress in his recovery but Roberts indicated an activation for next week’s San Diego Padres was the more likely outcome.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
