Opening Day is just around the corner, so the Los Angeles Dodgers are continue to push along in the process of getting all their players prepared to take the field against the San Francisco Giants on July 23.
While the Dodgers do not yet have the ability to play games against other teams, they have been holding intrasquad scrimmages at Dodger Stadium every night so position players and get at-bats and pitchers can build their innings base.
Friday night’s scrimmage featured a matchup of two lefties in Alex Wood and Julio Urias, with the six-inning game ending in a 2-2 tie.
The first two runs came courtesy of Joc Pederson as he launched a two-run home run to right field off Wood. The table had been set by Austin Barnes, who doubled to left on the first pitch he saw.
Joc in midseason form 🔥 pic.twitter.com/11bjiCn3CH
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 11, 2020
Forever a mood, @yungjoc650. 🕺 pic.twitter.com/n50YzCR8V8
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 11, 2020
The home run was Pederson’s second so far since the team began intrasquad scrimmages. Pederson hasn’t gotten many opportunities against southpaws in his career, although taking Wood deep may demonstrate some progress in that respect.
Pederson wasn’t the only Dodger to homer on Friday as Chris Taylor also hit one to straightaway center, his first of Summer Camp.
No-doubter.
Dead center. pic.twitter.com/GB94wcUvzE— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 11, 2020
Taylor signed a two-year extension to remain with the Dodgers this past offseason and likely will serve as one of their primary utilityman once again.
With AJ Pollock yet to report to camp and uncertainty of whether he will play the 2020 season existing, Taylor could have a chance to earn some extended playing time if he continues to swing the bat well in camp.
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