Earlier this week, injured Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson began a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco in Omaha.
On Thursday, he made his first game appearance since May, serving as the designated hitter.
The next day, he took the field at first base as he continued progressing through rehab.
After two games, the outlook appears positive for the two-time World Series champion.
The Rangers hope he’ll be ready to rejoin the team during their upcoming West Coast road trip against the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners.
When asked about Pederson’s status, manager Bruce Bochy said, “He’s doing well,” and noted earlier in the week that a return during the trip was a real possibility.
Bochy also watched all of Pederson’s at-bats Thursday, where he went 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, a run scored, and a strikeout.
Joc Pederson’s
On Friday, Pederson went hitless in three at-bats during a rain-shortened five-inning game.
Pederson has been on the 10-day injured list since May 25 due to a fractured right hand, which occurred after he was hit by a pitch on May 24 against the White Sox.
Although he initially remained in the game, he exited soon after, and medical tests confirmed the fracture, placing his recovery window at four to six weeks.
Before the injury, Pederson was enduring a difficult season at the plate. In 46 games, he posted a slash line of .131/.269/.238, with just two home runs and six RBIs.
Joc Pederson’s
His struggles included a franchise-worst 0-for-41 stretch, although that mark has since been surpassed.
Since his IL stint, the Rangers have improved offensively, rotating other players into his spot and ranking fifth in MLB in runs scored since June 1 with 217.
If Pederson can bounce back post-injury, his return could give a further boost to Texas’ offense as the team tries to stay competitive in the playoff race.
