Jul 27, 2025, 01:22 PM ET
ARLINGTON, Texas — Joc Pederson returned to the Texas Rangers‘ lineup Sunday after missing 52 games because of a broken right hand.
Pederson, who joined Texas on a $37 million, two-year contract during free agency in December, went 0-for-4 — beginning with a first-inning strikeout with the bases loaded. He batted fifth as the designated hitter for Texas, which beat the Atlanta Braves 8-1 to sweep the three-game series and run its winning streak to six.
“It was a long time,” Pederson said. “First at-bat definitely sped up on me a lot. Bases loaded first one. Was not a good at-bat. But after that it started to slow down a little bit. It started to feel better, really liked some swings.
“It was a huge win. That’s the most important thing is we won, and you keep stacking those and getting my feet underneath me, and we’ll be good to go.”
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Pederson hit .131 with two home runs and six RBIs in his first 46 games with the Rangers. The two-time World Series champion was at .052 through 19 games after a 0-for-41 slump.
“Joc, he’s trying to get his timing,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said after the game. “It was great to have him out there. We signed Joc to be part of this offense, a big part of this offense, a guy that can hit in the heart of the order, drive in runs. He should make us a better offense.”
The 33-year-old’s hand was broken May 24 when it was hit by an 87.5 mph cutter from Chicago White Sox right-hander Bryse Wilson.
Pederson made his 39th start, his 37th at DH, with two at first base. Bochy said Pederson again will primarily be a DH.
After being part of the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ World Series title played at Globe Life Field to end the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, Pederson was with the Braves for their championship the following year.
To make room for Pederson on the active roster, infielder/outfielder Michael Helman was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.