Joc Pederson has shifted to the infield for the first time in his MLB career, and the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be making the change a permanent one.
The former All-Star, a career-long outfielder, entered Thursday’s game against San Francisco as a pinch hitter and remained in the contest at first base on defense. Pederson has since started the next three games and counting at first.
Prior to Sunday’s contest against Colorado, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team is committed to playing Pederson at first base, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts on Joc Pederson the 1B: “It’s not a finished product but we’re committed to it. … I trust his acumen and ability to learn.”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) June 23, 2019
The 27-year-old Pederson, who is hitting .236 with 20 home runs and 36 RBIs this season, has been used almost exclusively in either center or left field in his six seasons with the Dodgers. That said, moving him to first base will give the team greater lineup flexibility for when shortstop Corey Seager and outfielder AJ Pollock return from injury. It will also allow the Dodgers to keep not only Pederson’s bat in the order but also that of Alex Verdugo, who homered twice, including a walk-off shot in the 11th during Saturday’s win over the Rockies.
Pederson has surprised us over the years with his positional versatility, and you can now probably add everyday first baseman to his growing resume.
