The Los Angeles Dodgers have been cautious with Joc Pederson since he suffered a concussion after colliding with Yasiel Puig on May 23. Pederson was immediately removed, while Puig remained in the game.
The Dodgers initially diagnosed Pederson with a sprained neck. He also suffered a cut on his forehead as a result of falling face-first into the fence in right-center field. After a stretch of no activity gave way to increased workload, Pederson is set to begin a rehab assignment on Friday.
He fielded fly balls at Dodger Stadium prior to Monday’s series opener against the Washington Nationals. Pederson was pleased with getting through the workout without issue.
While a date for his rehab assignment is set, which affiliate(s) it will come with or the duration of it has not yet been determined. “It’s kind of contingent on how he’s responding,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“Hopefully we’ll get him back sooner rather than later.” When Pederson comes off the concussion disabled list is also going to be dependent on production. He’s batting .200/.309/.314 with six doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI, 13 walks and 33 strikeouts in 35 games this season.
“When Joc comes back, we’re going to have the confidence that he is swinging the bat the way he should be to warrant helping our club,” Roberts said. “With Joc, we really want him swinging the bat well before he gets here.”
Without Pederson the Dodgers have turned to Chris Taylor. He’d made the most of opportunities at second base because of an injury to Logan Forsythe, and has continued to capitalize on the extended playing time.
This season is Taylor’s first experience in center field. He began to familiarize himself with the position during Spring Training.
