After starting three of four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Opening Series and putting together a historic performance, Joc Pederson found himself out of the lineup for one week as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a string of left-handed starters.
Upon Pederson returning to the lineup last weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated it marked the start of busy stretch for the 26-year-old. Sure enough, Pederson has started each of the past six games.
But it’s been tough sledding for him at the plate after going 7-for-12 with one double, three home runs, five RBI and three walks through the first three games this season. Pederson snapped an 0-for-21 skid by opening Wednesday’s game with a single.
It had a 111.6 mph exit velocity, marking the hardest-hit ball on the night. The second-hardest also belonged to Pederson, a 111.2 mph lineout.
Despite the recent lack of success, Pederson is focused on keeping with his approach and awaiting results to balance out, via SportsNet LA:
“I feel like I’ve been seeing the ball pretty well the last couple days. I’ve hit some balls hard, just right at ’em. So it was nice to get something they didn’t catch. But, they still caught one of them. … You kind of just have to trust yourself. It’s obviously frustrating when things aren’t going your way and you’re hitting balls hard. They say it’s going to equal out. You just got to stick to the process and, over 162 (games), hopefully, the results are there.”
Pederson did get just enough of a pitch for a solo home run in the sixth inning. It was his fourth home run of the season but first since March 30.
On the season, Pederson is averaging career-best marks in balls barreled (14.8%), exit velocity (93.8 mph) and hard hit rate (55.6%).
