:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56271201/835345210.0.jpg)
LOS ANGELES -- With new outfielder Curtis Granderson on board, the Dodgers optioned center fielder Joc Pederson to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room on the active roster.
It is the first time Pederson has been optioned to the minors in his career. Since getting promoted to the majors in September 2014, his only time on the farm has been on rehab assignments while on the disabled list.
With roster limits expanding on Sept. 1, Pederson will almost certainly be back in two weeks. For now, he can continue to work on his latest new batting stance.
Dave Roberts on Joc Pederson getting demoted: "It gives him a chance to reset."
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) August 19, 2017
"For Joc to take a breath in OKC will be good for him" #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 19, 2017
Pederson is hitting .215/.329/.418 with 11 home runs and 18 doubles in 87 games, including two hits in his last 41 at-bats over his last 15 games.
While on the active roster this season — he missed a total of 28 games in two stints on the disabled list — Pederson started every game against right-handed starting pitchers, 58 games in all. He is hitting .229/.339/.446 against right-handed pitching in 2017.