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Joc Pederson returns, Yasiel Puig sits, Carl Crawford gets rare start in finale with Angels

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers go for a sweep of the Angels on Sunday afternoon, with a lineup leaning to the left side against Cory Rasmus and the bullpen game for the Halos.

Yasiel Puig gets a day of rest, and Joc Pederson returns to the lineup after two games and three days off to clear his head after a .169/.229/.258 July.

Manager Don Mattingly said multiple times over the weekend that Pederson just needed to take a step back and watch a game or two to clear his head. Mattingly said Pederson, who through Friday was tied for the team lead in games played, couldn't see the forest for the trees.

Pederson hits eighth on Sunday, his first time batting eighth since April 27.

"That's where he needs to be right now," Mattingly said.

The Dodgers are going with the all-lefty outfield, with Carl Crawford making his third start in 11 games since his return from the disabled list. He's in left field, with Andre Ethier in right field for his first start of the series.

Mattingly said Puig was just getting a day off.

The Dodgers on Sunday are trying for their first four-game winning streak since June 8-12.