UPDATE (June 28, 9:05 p.m. PT): X-rays on Joc Pederson’s right shoulder came back negative and he was diagnosed with a bruised A/C joint.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ seemingly never-ending battle with the injury bug took a significant turn on Tuesday with news Clayton Kershaw would return to Los Angeles to have his achy back examined. The concern then shifted to Joc Pederson by the eighth inning of the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Having already chipped in with an RBI single, Pederson’s turned in a spectacular play but it appeared to come at a cost. With the Dodgers leading 6-4 and Jonathan Lucroy standing on second base after his two-run double, Chris Carter drove a ball to deep center field.
Pederson made a catch while crashing into the center field wall, and flipped the ball to Howie Kendrick. Lucroy managed to score on the two-base sacrifice fly while the Dodgers’ young center fielder remained down on the ground.
Pederson was checked on by trainers and walked off the field under his own power, though holding his right arm close to his body.
Pederson immediately made his way to the clubhouse, presumably to undergo X-rays on his right shoulder/arm. The manner with which Pederson was holding his arm suggests a potential collarbone injury.
An update on his status will be provided once it becomes available. Pederson began the day batting .235/.326/.478 with 16 doubles, 13 home runs and 32 RBIs.
