The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Joc Pederson from the seven-day concussion disabled list and placed Adrian Gonzalez on the 10-day DL ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians. Gonzalez’s stint is retroactive to June 12, and he was officially diagnosed with lower back discomfort.
Gonzalez was removed early on Sunday due to his back “locking up.” The veteran first baseman underwent an MRI on Monday, the results of which have not yet been publicly released. This marks Gonzalez’s second career stint on the disabled list, with both coming this season.
Elbow/forearm soreness and a chronic bulging disc were ultimately proved too difficult for the 35-year-old to continue playing through. Gonzalez appeared in 1,833 games over 14 seasons prior to landing on the disabled list.
While the Dodgers intended to allow for Gonzalez to go through a slow and steady recovery process, his return was expedited because of Andrew Toles suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
Gonzalez is batting .255/.304/.339 with 11 doubles, one home run and 23 RBI in 49 games this season. He hit .254/.273/.380 with six doubles, one home run and 12 RBI in 20 games (19 starts) after coming off the disabled list.
In similar fashion to what unfolded with Gonzalez earlier this season, Pederson rejoins the Dodgers ahead of schedule. Manager Dave Roberts had previously indicated Pederson’s rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City would lengthy.
Pederson went 3-for-9 with two home runs and four RBI in three rehab appearances with Oklahoma City. He missed the past 16 games since colliding with Yasiel Puig and suffering concussion and sprained neck.
Pederson is batting .200/.309/.314 with six doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI in 35 games this season.
