The Texas Rangers’ playoff hopes just got a much-needed lift. Designated hitter Joc Pederson is set to return after a two-month stint on the injured list.
The 31-year-old slugger hasn’t played since late May because of a fractured right hand. Now he’s finally ready to rejoin the Rangers for their upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves.
Pederson struggled at the plate before his injury, but his career—especially his second-half performances—gives fans hope. With the postseason race heating up, maybe he’s the extra punch this lineup needs.
Joc Pederson’s Road to Recovery
Pederson’s injury happened on May 24, when a pitch hit his hand during a game against the Chicago White Sox. After that, he faced a long recovery and spent some time rehabbing with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders.
He finished his rehab assignment going 2-for-6, which isn’t flashy but it’s something. He says he’s ready to get back to Major League action, and honestly, who wouldn’t be eager after sitting out that long?
It’s tough for any player to find their rhythm again after missing so much time. Still, Pederson’s energy might be just what the Rangers need right now.
Texas is playing its best baseball of the season, but they’re still searching for steady production from the DH spot.
Struggles Before and During Pederson’s Absence
Before landing on the injured list, Pederson was ice cold at the plate. He put up a rough .131/.269/.238 slash line in 140 plate appearances.
That .507 OPS? It was one of the worst in the league for hitters with similar opportunities in 2023. Even so, Pederson’s career numbers suggest he can bounce back and become a real contributor again.
While he was out, Texas used a mix of Josh Smith, Jonah Heim, and Kyle Higashioka at DH. Their combined .698 OPS was serviceable, but it didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard.
Shuffling those players around also meant less defensive stability, especially for Heim and Higashioka, who are the main catchers. That’s not ideal for a team trying to shore up every edge.
The Bruce Bochy Factor: Betting on a Second-Half Surge
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy sounds pretty upbeat about Pederson’s return. He points to Pederson’s history of turning it on after the All-Star break.
Statistically, Pederson’s always been a second-half guy, with a career OPS of .797 in the latter part of the season. Last year with Arizona, he even posted a ridiculous .964 OPS after the break.
Bochy’s hoping for more of that magic this year. If Pederson catches fire, Texas could really benefit as the playoff chase gets serious.
A hot Pederson would lock down the DH role and let Heim and Higashioka focus on catching. Josh Smith could slide back into his utility role, making the roster deeper and more versatile.
Why Timing Is Everything
Pederson’s return couldn’t come at a more crucial moment for the Rangers. This is shaping up to be one of their most exciting seasons in a while.
Injecting his veteran presence and power into the lineup might be exactly what they need to clinch a playoff spot. The timing gives Pederson a chance to find his swing before the most important games arrive.
If he can get back to form soon, Texas could ride a surge of offense into October. For a team that’s hungry to make noise in the postseason, having a proven slugger like Pederson healthy and motivated feels huge.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Gamble Worth Taking
Joc Pederson’s return isn’t exactly risk-free. His pre-injury struggles and the recent layoff make plenty of folks uneasy.
Still, the upside here? It’s hard to ignore. Pederson’s got a knack for thriving when the pressure amps up, and he’s shown he can change the course of a season with just his bat.
The Rangers have flashed some real brilliance this year. Adding Pederson to the mix teases the idea of a playoff-caliber lineup—especially with a late-season slugger in the fold.
If he delivers the way Bruce Bochy hopes, Pederson might be the missing piece for Texas. Globe Life Field is ready, and so are the fans, as he gears up to face the Braves this Sunday.
Here is the source article for this story: What Joc Pederson’s impending return could mean for the streaking Texas Rangers
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