MINNEAPOLIS — Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson intends to return by the first game of the playoffs.
His team just needs to make it there first.
Pederson, sidelined for two weeks with a left hand fracture, took important steps toward a potential return before Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. He hit in the batting cages Friday, will do so off of a machine Saturday and is scheduled to face right-handed pitcher Jack Leiter in a live batting practice Sunday.
If all goes well — and if the Rangers clinch a playoff spot in their final three games — he hopes to be activated from the injured list before what would be the first game of the AL Wild Card series Tuesday.
“It’s alright,” Pederson said of his hand after Friday’s session. “Not 100%, but it is what it is.”