Joc Pederson has been on fire of late. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
LOS ANGELES — Statistics do not always lie. Sometimes, they accurately reflect impact. For example, take Joc Pederson, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rookie center fielder.
In most categories, Pederson’s performance in April surpassed the statistics amassed by two former National League rookies of the year during the first months of their first seasons.
In 2010, the San Francisco Giants’ Buster Posey compiled a .300 batting average, a .333 on-base percentage. a .413 slugging percentage, four doubles, a home run and seven RBIs. Two years later, the Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper followed with a .244/.343/.449 slashline, six doubles, two homers and seven RBIs.
But last month, Pederson had a .298/.461/.596 slashline, five doubles, four home runs and 10 RBIs.
Pederson moved into the leadoff spot Wednesday night because of injuries to outfielders Yasiel Puig and Carl Crawford, and shortstop Jimmy Rollins’ prolonged slump. The 23-year old responded with six RBIs and three home runs — and became the first Dodger rookie since Bill Sudakis in 1969 to his four homers in four successive games.
Defensively, the center fielder has thrown out three opposing base runners and participated in one double play. Pederson has yet to commit an error in 54 chances.
“It’s fun watching him play,” Los Angeles manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s excited to be in the big leagues.”
Pederson’s play has been a major reason the Dodgers have won four consecutive games and seven of their past nine after Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks in 13 innings.
“If someone doesn’t do the job, the next one will pick him up,” Pederson said. “That’s part of being a great team. I don’t think anyone feels like he needs to put the team on his back.”
Yet Pederson realizes that the line between success and frustration can be exceedingly fine. After hitting his first career grand slam Friday night, Pederson managed to get just one more hit — another home run — in his next 11 at-bats while striking out six times. On Sunday, Pederson struck out three times in going 0-for-5.
“Once I start feeling relaxed, something happens,” Pederson said after Friday night’s game. “The other day in the outfield, I started feeling good out there. Then I had a couple of bad reads on balls I should have caught.”
The rookie intends to rely on his veteran teammates to help him negotiate an even path between the crests and the troughs.
“They say that it’s easier to get to the big leagues but it’s tougher to stay,” Pederson said. “There are a lot of guys who have been here for 10-plus years. I’m just trying to get my feet wet, soak it all in and learn as much as I can.”
