Rangers' Joc Pederson Suffers Fractured Hand Injury After Being Hit By Pitch

Texas Rangers designated hitter/outfielder Joc Pederson suffered a right hand fracture after being hit by a pitch in the fourth inning of his team's 10-5 road loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, per manager Bruce Bochy to reporters.

Pederson suffered the injury after being hit by an 87.5 mph cutter from starting pitcher Bryse Wilson. He initially stayed in the game and even scored a run after a Marcus Semien sac fly. However, Kyle Higashioka replaced Pederson for his next at-bat.

Pederson signed a two-year, $37 million contract last offseason (including a $5.5 million signing bonus). The two-time All-Star did so after a great year with the 2024 Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting .275 with a .908 OPS alongside 23 home runs and 64 RBI in 132 games.

Unfortunately, this year has been disastrous for Pederson, who is hitting just .131 (.507 OPS) with two home runs and six RBI in 46 games. He notably went 39 at-bats over 12 games without getting a hit in April and was hitting .094 on May 4.

May has been better overall, as Pederson has hit .170 with a .670 OPS and both of his home runs. But it's still been a struggle overall.

Obviously, the 33-year-old Pederson, who has played 12 MLB seasons, is capable of far better. He has 211 lifetime homers and has a career .801 OPS.

Hopefully Pederson can return back to full health ASAP and return to his old form as he looks to help a Rangers team that was considered a potential AL contender before the season but has slumped with six of seven losses to fall to 25-28.