Texas Rangers on the Verge of Getting a Boost

The Texas Rangers could soon be getting an offensive reinforcement before the trade deadline. Designated hitter Joc Pederson, who has been out with a fractured hand, has taken live batting practice and is set to join Double-A Frisco in Wichita, Kansas, for a minor league rehab assignment.

Pederson’s Road to Recovery

Pederson’s hand was broken by a pitch in a game against the Chicago White Sox on May 24. However, he has made significant progress in his recovery and has been taking live batting practice at Globe Life Field. According to Pederson, his hand feels fine, and the live bullpen sessions were the last medical hurdles he needed to clear.

Return to the Lineup

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that it’s still unclear how many at-bats Pederson will need before being activated, but it’s possible he could rejoin the team on their next road trip to Los Angeles. The RoughRiders will play at Wichita through Sunday, and the Rangers begin their series against the Angels on Monday. Bochy expressed his optimism about Pederson’s progress, saying, “I will say, he’s been looking real good.”

Other Injury Updates

Outfielder Sam Haggerty, who also took live batting practice, is expected to be activated off the injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves. Haggerty has been out with ankle inflammation but said he feels “good to go” after hitting and sprinting.

Pederson’s Struggles Before the Injury

Before his injury, Pederson was one of baseball’s worst qualified hitters. He had a batting average of .131, an on-base percentage of .269, and a slugging percentage of .238, with just two home runs in his first 46 games. At one point, he held the franchise record for the longest hitless streak.

A New Look for Pederson

Bochy noted that Pederson “just has a different look” about him compared to where he was before his injury. The Rangers will reinsert Pederson into a lineup that has been one of baseball’s best for the last month and a half. Despite a rotating cast at designated hitter, the Rangers have scored the fifth-most runs in baseball (217) since June 1.

Mental and Physical Recovery

Pederson acknowledged the mental and physical challenges he faced during his recovery. “When you’re grinding, the mental load is a lot in this game, and the stress that comes with it,” he said. “Getting hurt sucks, but part of being a professional is making the best of situations that you don’t get a say in. Part of that was recovering mentally and getting in a better spot — mentally and physically — to try to help the team win.”

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Conclusion

The Texas Rangers are on the verge of getting a significant boost with the return of Joc Pederson. After a challenging start to the season, Pederson has been working hard to recover from his injury and is expected to rejoin the team soon. With his return, the Rangers will have a stronger lineup and a better chance of success in the critical stretch of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Joc Pederson expected to return to the team?

A: Pederson is expected to rejoin the team on their next road trip to Los Angeles, although the exact date is still uncertain.

Q: How has Pederson been preparing for his return?

A: Pederson has been taking live batting practice at Globe Life Field and will join Double-A Frisco in Wichita, Kansas, for a minor league rehab assignment.

Q: What were Pederson’s stats before his injury?

A: Before his injury, Pederson had a batting average of .131, an on-base percentage of .269, and a slugging percentage of .238, with just two home runs in his first 46 games.

Q: How has the team been performing in Pederson’s absence?

A: Despite a rotating cast at designated hitter, the Rangers have scored the fifth-most runs in baseball (217) since June 1.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Texas Rangers?

A: You can find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News and sign up for their Rangers newsletter to stay informed about the latest news and updates.