Jul 27, 2025, 01:22 PM ET<\/p>\n
ARLINGTON, Texas — Joc Pederson<\/a> returned to the Texas Rangers<\/a>‘ lineup Sunday after missing 52 games because of a broken right hand.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 8-1 to sweep the three-game series and run its winning streak to six.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n 2 Related<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n The 33-year-old’s hand was broken May 24 when it was hit by an 87.5 mph cutter from Chicago White Sox<\/a> right-hander Bryse Wilson.<\/p>\n Pederson made his 39th start, his 37th at DH, with two at first base. Bochy said Pederson again will primarily be a DH.<\/p>\n After being part of the Los Angeles Dodgers<\/a>‘ 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.<\/p>\n