Pederson will miss the playoffs this season for the first time in his career but has been one of SF’s top hitters this month
SAN FRANCISCO — Despite Joc Pederson’s reality, destined for the couch in October for the first time in his career, and his comments after Tuesday night’s win, claiming it has not been a fun experience, manager Gabe Kapler has seen no change in Pederson’s approach to the game this September.
While Pederson said he still thought the Giants were “really good” and attributed their struggles this season to a “fluke year,” he said the experience of not playing in a pennant chase has been “not fun.” The Giants’ recent hot streak has given them a realistic chance at finishing at .500. Entering Wednesday night, they had to win five of their final eight games to avoid following a 107-win season with a losing record.
“Knowing Joc pretty well over a long period of time, he’s been a pretty steady, even dude,” Kapler said. “I read his comments postgame. Sometimes those things get a little bit more life than the player means them to get. I think that’s probably what happened night.”President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has said the Giants have broached Pederson’s side about a new contract.
García, who is already a parent to a daughter, will be the second Giants pitcher to expand their family this month. Alex Wood and his wife, Suzanna, welcomed their first child — a boy named Asa Francisco — last Wednesday morning.