Dodgers: Patience or Panic with Four Struggling Dodgers

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Jun 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) reacts after he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Joc Pederson

Many Dodgers fans are delusional on the type of player Joc Pederson can be and set expectations that are far too lofty. Make no mistake, I believe he will be a solid outfielder for years to come, but you have to taper your expectations.

I believe Pederson will never become a player that hits for average and that is okay. He is very valuable to the team as plus defender who can get on base and hit for power.

So far this season, Joc is batting .211 with four home runs and 14 RBI through 39 games for the Dodgers. These numbers are not good, particularly the batting average, but when you look at the totality of the circumstances, there is still a lot that can happen.

Pederson has made two trips to the DL this year, most recently due to a concussion when he collided with Yasiel Puig in the outfield. These trips to the DL have not allowed the 25-year-old to get into a groove at the plate.

Now that he is back healthy, I fully expect him to start hitting his stride once again, barring any additional injuries. So far the results since his return have been promising. He is batting .278 with two home runs and three RBI while walking three times and only striking out once. Look for Pederson to finally begin to come around for the Dodgers soon with consistent play.

Verdict: Patience

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