Dodgers Way Quick Hits: Joc, Santana, Paredes, Bullpen

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 07: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 07: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on June 7, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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The Dodgers successfully complete their road trip on Thursday morning by defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-7.  The game was difficult from the start as Dennis Santana was scratched prior to the game as Rick Honeycutt noticed he didn’t look right throwing his slider in the bullpen.  Joc Pederson hit two home runs including a leadoff home run, and Cody Bellinger continued his offensive revival slugging another home run and recording three hits in the game.  The Dodgers needed every bit of offense they received as Kenley Jansen allowed a solo home run in the ninth inning but the Dodgers hung on for a one-run victory.  The Dodgers went 5-1 on the road trip after sweeping the Rockies and taking two of three from the fightin’ Buccos.  The Dodgers will start a homestand tonight as they welcome the Atlanta Braves and former Dodger Brandon McCarthy will start against the Dodgers tonight.

Other news…

Joc Pederson had a very strong road trip slugging five home runs in the six games including two yesterday.  Joc is now up to a .

272

average on the season to go along with a solid .858 OPS.  Entering the road trip Joc had been having good at-bats and recording base hits but he had only one home run so the power he displayed on the road trip was a very welcome sight.  In the last seven games, Joc now has a .381 average to go along with five home runs and a slugging percentage over 1000.  While he isn’t drawing walks, he doesn’t need to if he keeps hitting like this.

More from LA Dodgers News

  • Dennis Santana was scratched from yesterday’s start and was officially diagnosed with a lat strain.  The Dodgers will likely take an MRI to determine the severity of the strain and it’s safe to assume that Santana will not be pitching for the Dodgers anytime soon.  Cardinals prized prospect Alex Reyes recently suffered the same injury and now has to undergo season-ending surgery so it’s better to take the cautious approach with the Dodgers young prospect.
  • Edwin Paredes was recalled prior to Thursday’s game along with Pedro Baez whose demotion was short lived.  The counter moves were Tony Cingrani to the disabled list and Caleb Ferguson was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.  There’s a chance Ferguson could be recalled to make another start if Kenta Maeda cannot return from the DL soon but in the immediate future, there should be another reliever called up when Santana is placed on the disabled list.

    The Dodgers bullpen has been severely overworked these past two games as they had to record all twenty-seven outs on Thursday and Wednesday’s starter Caleb Ferguson was unable to get out of the second inning.  Tonight’s starter Walker Buehler needs to go at least six innings to take some ease of the shoulders of the bullpen.  Another reliever such as Adam Liberatore or JT Chargois could be called up to replace Dennis Santana on the roster.  The Dodgers freshest reliever on Friday will be Edwin Paredes who only faced one batter on Thursday.

    Next: Matt Kemp's All-Star game push