Dodgers News: Joc Pederson To Be Brought Along Slowly

[new_royalslider id=”50″] Joc Pederson made history Saturday night when he stole second base to give him 30 on the season, which placed him in elite company. Already with 32 home runs, Pederson became the first Pacific Coast League player to reach the 30-30 plateau since 1934.

Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti stated Pederson would be one of the players called up when active rosters expand to 40 men on Sept. 1.

While Pederson’s arrival will come with plenty of attention, manager Don Mattingly Pederson will be brought along slowly, reports Michael Lananna of MLB.com:

We’ll use him, but I’ll use him like any other guy coming up in September,” Mattingly said. “I don’t really plan on throwing him out there or anything. I think it’ll be a good experience. I think it’ll be good for him.”

Pederson’s accomplishment comes in his first season at the Triple-A level. Since playing for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in 2012, the outfielder has received a promotion each season. However, September would mark Pederson’s first time at the Major League level.

Outside calls for Pederson to join the Major League roster were boisterous earlier in the season as the Dodgers weren’t receiving much production from their collection of outfielders. The Dodgers resisted however, and they also refused to trade Pederson.

It’s believed Pederson would have needed to be included in any trade for a front-line pitcher at the trade deadline. With an outfield consisting of two players over the age of 30 and a third (Matt Kemp) set to turn 30 in September, Pederson very much figures to factor into the Dodgers’ plans moving forward.

While Pederson may not get the extensive opportunity some are hoping for, if he’s able to perform well, it could put him in position for a larger role with the Dodgers in 2015.
[divide] Dodgers Dugout Bubble Parties Are Here To Stay