Dodgers News: Joc Pederson Placed on Medical Emergency List, Recall Zach McKinstry

The Dodgers are making a flurry of roster moves ahead of their series final against the Padres. One of those moves was to activate Joe Kelly who had been serving a five-game suspension. The other big move is that the team will be recalling infielder Zach McKinstry for the last game.

McKinstry takes the place of outfielder Joc Pederson who was placed on the family medical emergency list for undisclosed reasons.

The Dodgers have recalled IF/OF Zach McKinstry and have placed OF Joc Pederson on the family medical emergency list.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 16, 2020

For Pederson, he left the team a few weeks back and was later placed on the paternity list. He and his wife Kelsey were expecting their second child. Whatever the reasoning is, it is more than fair to respect the Pederson family’s privacy at this time.

The callup of McKinstry was announced earlier by his agency via Twitter. The Dodgers later confirmed the move in a press release, and Dave Roberts confirmed it in his pregame presser. McKinstry had been spending 2020 at the alternate location taking reps.

BREAKING: Los Angeles @Dodgers have recalled INF Zach McKinstry. @ZachCMU pic.twitter.com/Re0gbz94x0

— NW Sports Management (@NWSMG) September 16, 2020

The move also comes at a time when Gavin Lux continues to struggle at the plate. Lux is slashing .163/.250/.349 with a very low .599 OPS. He has struck out in 31 percent of his plate appearances and continues to not hit the ball particularly hard. The Dodgers could very well be giving McKinstry a chance to crack the postseason roster.

In 16 total Spring Training games for the Dodgers, McKinstry absolutely destroyed the ball. He hit three home runs and had a ridiculous 1.314 OPS in the limited showing. 

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