ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers have played their best baseball yet this season since the second half began. They can now reinsert one of their biggest offseason acquisitions into the lineup.
The Rangers activated designated hitter Joc Pederson off of the 60-day injured list before Sunday’s series finale vs. the Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Field. Pederson, 33, hasn’t played since his hand was broken by a Bryse Wilson pitch in a May 24 game against the Chicago White Sox.
Related:What Joc Pederson’s impending return could mean for the streaking Texas Rangers
Outfielder Michael Helman was to Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding move. Helman, 29, slashed .182/.308/.455 and hit his first career home run in eight games with the team.
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Pederson, whom the Rangers signed to a two-year contract this past offseason, slashed .131/.269/.238 with two home runs in 46 games before his injury. He was one of baseball’s least productive hitters through the season’s first two months and at one point held the franchise record for consecutive at bats without a hit before infielder Justin Foscue reclaimed the title.
He went 2 for 6 in two minor league rehab games with Double-A Frisco prior to his activation. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged last week that he’s seen a “different look” to Pederson compared to the first half of the season.
“Getting hurt sucks,” Pederson said Saturday, “but I think any time you take time off, you want to come back, play well and help the team win.”
The Rangers began Sunday on a five-game win streak with a rejuvenated offense and a pitching staff that remains one of the league’s best. They’ve scored the third-most runs in baseball in the last 30 days despite bottom-third production from the designated hitter position. Pederson, who has a career .801 OPS in the second half of seasons, can help alleviate those weaknesses.
“We signed Joc to be a big part of this offense,” Bochy said Sunday. “A guy that can hit in the heart of the order and drive in runs. That’s what he can do.”
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