Dodgers Playoff Quick Hits: It’s Time for Another JocTober

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during Game One of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Joc Pederson has been all or nothing throughout his career with the Dodgers.  When it comes time for the playoffs, Joc seems to be awakened by the bright lights.

The Dodgers 2018 playoff run got off to a bang literally last night as Joc Pederson went deep to lead off the bottom of the first inning.  Joc picked up right where he left off last year’s World Series in which he blasted three home runs in eighteen at-bats and batted .333.

This is technically Joc’s fourth year in the postseason but back in 2015 he only received four at-bats so this is basically his third year in the postseason as a regular contributor.  Joc’s career OPS in the postseason was .880 prior to last night’s game and now that number is going to go up a bit.

This year’s postseason will be much different than last year’s however, since Joc is once again a regular against right-handed starters and had a very good season with the blue.  Last year Joc was left off the NLDS roster after struggling mightily.  He rebounded strong this season and looks poised for another JocTober.

Other news…

More from LA Dodgers News

  • Hyun-Jin Ryu continued his second half and Dodger Stadium dominance last night with seven shutout innings.  The Braves could only muster a few weakly hit singles and Ryu was never in any danger.  Ryu has always been a strong playoff performer as he had a 2.81 ERA entering last night’s start and that will go down further after his seven shutout innings.
  • The Dodgers’ most interesting decision for their NLDS roster was placing Ryan Madson on the roster over Ross Stripling.  Stripling has struggled in the entire second half of the season but so has Madson who has a 6.48 ERA with the Dodgers this season.  Ultimately the Dodgers feel Madson’s stuff and playoff experience will play up this series.
  • Manny Machado did not have the best playoff debut with the Dodgers as he struck out multiple times, committed an error, and almost got tossed for arguing balls and strikes.  Machado has two prior playoff experiences in 2012 and 2016 although he has a .174 career playoff average and just one home run.

dark. Next. Dodgers Vs. Braves position by position breakdown

  • The rest of the NLDS start times were posted online and if there is a game four on Monday the Dodgers will play at 1:30 PST.  If there is a deciding game five that would be played in Los Angeles next Wednesday at 5:07 PST.  Hopefully the Dodgers don’t need all five games or else something went terribly wrong.