Dodgers Plan To Promote Pederson, Guerrero When Rosters Expand

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With the Los Angeles Dodgers in a race for the division down the stretch, the September roster expansion could be a way to get some fresh arms and legs into certain situations.

The Dodgers have had a crowded outfield this season, leaving their top outfield prospect, Joc Pederson, stuck in Triple-A all season. Also, the emergence of Dee Gordon at second base and a freak injury kept their other big-name minor-leaguer, Alex Guerrero, in the minors.

In an interview with Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio, Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said that the two may be seen soon:

Colletti on Pederson/Guerrero "You'll probably see them on Sept 1st. If today was Sept 1 I'd be inclined to bring them both [up]" #Dodgers

— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 17, 2014

Pederson is trying to become the first player since 1934 to have a 30/30 season in the Pacific Coast League. He is a home run and two stolen bases shy of the accomplishment. Many believed that he would have been promoted earlier in the season when the Dodgers lost outfielders to injury, but manager Don Mattingly was hesitant to promote the prospect without a full-time job available.

Guerrero was signed in the off-season to a four-year, $28 million deal to presumably be the team’s everyday second baseman. Problems with defense and readiness arose in the spring and Guerrero never had a chance to win the job. In a team argument with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Miguel Olivo bit off a piece of Guerrero’s ear and Guerrero was forced to miss time following plastic surgery.

If they join the Dodgers, the two could provide some bats off the bench and Pederson could provide speed in the later innings for Mattingly to use. Guerrero has continued to have issues with defense, but his bat has been deemed ready since his arrival. The duo could help the Dodgers repeat as National League West champions.

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