Joc Pederson’s on ... first?

AJ Pollock’s return may come sooner rather than later, and manager Dave Roberts is already making preparations. He told the media he plans to move Pederson from the outfield to first base to make room for Pollock.

Roberts’ motive behind these moves is wanting to keep Alex Verdugo, Pollock and Pederson all in the same lineup. It’s interesting to note that he wants to move Pederson to the infield rather than Cody Bellinger, who is already versed at first.

Here’s how the Dodgers may look like defensively with a healthy Pollock.

C - Austin Barnes
1B - Joc Pederson
2B - Max Muncy
SS - Kiké Hernández
3B - Justin Turner
LF - AJ Pollock
CF - Alex Verdugo
RF - Cody Bellinger

It looks as if Hernández and Taylor will platoon at shortstop and/or fill in where is needed. Muncy seems to have been doing the job at second, so he will stay there, as well as Bellinger in his right field gig.

Corey Seager’s return will likely quickly follow Pollock’s next month. So, the shortstop situation will not be too much of an issue, but Hernández and Taylor’s roles will be.

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While on the topic of adjustments, Kenta Maeda will get an extra day of rest before his next start. He spot comes up on Saturday, which pushes him back to Sunday.

To make up for the delayed start, Julio Urías or Ross Stripling will get a spot start sometime this week.