Rangers Announce Disappointing Joc Pederson Update
Veteran designated hitter Joc Pederson enters his 12th major-league season, and his first with the Texas Rangers.
Pederson originally broke into the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making the first of his two All-Star appearances as a member of the organization. He spent seven seasons in Los Angeles before becoming an MLB journeyman.
This past offseason, Pederson signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Rangers following an impressive 2024 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His consistent bat and veteran presence were staples of Arizona's lineup last year.
In 132 games for the Diamondbacks in 2024, the 33-year-old batted .275 with 23 home runs and posted a career-high .908 OPS, performances that earned him the opportunity to become Texas's everyday designated hitter.
The 2025 season has been a disaster for Pederson. He struggled to find his rhythm at the plate before suffering a right-hand fracture after being hit by a pitch in late May, landing on the 10-day injured list.
While initial reports suggested he might return before the All-Star break, the Rangers recently announced his recovery timeline has been pushed back. Pederson is now projected to resume batting practice in two to three weeks.
Prior to the injury, Pederson appeared in 46 games, but his offensive performance dipped sharply. His OPS slumped to a career-low .507, and he managed just two home runs, uncharacteristic numbers for the left-handed slugger.
Texas will need Pederson to rebound down the stretch. The Rangers sit at 45-48, fourth in the AL West, enduring a disappointing season just two years removed from their World Series championship in 2023.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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