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Joc Pederson won’t be in the Atlanta Braves roster when they return to action Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he could join the squad and be available off the bench. Brian Snitker said in Friday’s pre-game that Pederson was on a flight and they didn’t know when he would arrive.
“I think he’s going to get here. I don’t know when, he’s in the air right now, so we’ll wait and see when he lands, ”Snitker said. The Braves will not change their starting lineup for Friday’s game and are expected to make a lineup change to activate Pederson.
As for how Pederson will fit into the roster, Snitker said he would likely use him as the team’s first hitter. Pederson has spent most of his career in Los Angeles as a field player who has faced left-handed pitchers, but he’s seen more opportunities this season with the Cubs.
“He did, he was successful there and we’ll probably be leaving him there for a while,” Snitker said of Pederson in the lead role. “Maybe see what it looks like.”
Pederson is hitting .218 / .285 / .442 with 11 home runs in 221 home plate appearances against righties this season and has a .271 / .348 / .339 line in 66 home plate appearances against lefties in 2021.
Ian Anderson update
Snitker said Ian Anderson’s shoulder was structurally strong, but they would wait 7-10 days before he was reassessed.
“No structural damage, he just had inflammation,” Snitker said of Anderson. “He won’t cast for seven to ten days, and they’ll reassess him and see where he’s at. ”
Snitker would not commit to a timeline for Anderson’s return, but said if he left after 7-10 days he would start playing wrestling and they would go from there. If so, Anderson would likely need a week or two to rebuild, so a potential August comeback looks about right.
Launch plans
Charlie Morton will start Friday’s game against the Rays with Max Fried and Drew Smyly scheduled to follow this weekend. Snitker said Touki Toussaint, who was reinstated from the injured list on Friday, is currently listed to start against the Padres on Tuesday. He added that Kyle Muller would also be a candidate for the pitcher early next week, but did not say when. The Braves will need another starter for Monday’s game opener against San Diego.
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