Coming off a disappointing finish to the 2015 season, Joc Pederson spent the offseason refining his batting stance and swing. His work then continued with new Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward.
Pederson unveiled his new batting stance, one without a high leg kick, during the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout of Spring Training. He spoke of wanting to become a more complete hitter this season
Whereas the young center fielder spent much of last season batting in the leadoff spot, Pederson has largely hit in the bottom half of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ lineup.
What’s more, Pederson has essentially been part of a platoon with Trayce Thompson, though Roberts has remained steadfast in his stance that’s not the case.
Pederson did start on Tuesday against Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Matt Moore, whom he hit a home run against. Pederson also started the first two games against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Facing R.A. Dickey in the second inning on Saturday, Pederson hit a towering solo home run to center field:
The home run was Pederson’s fifth of the season, which leads all Dodgers. Toronto tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, but the Dodgers answered back with three runs in the third to give Clayton Kershaw a 4-1 lead to work with.
