Dodgers: About That New-Look Joc Pederson, Talking Workout and More
You may notice a quicker, leaner player wearing number 31 in the Dodgers outfield. Don’t adjust your television set, no, that’s Joc Pederson. The longest-tenured outfielder currently patrolling Dodger Stadium put up a career-best season in 2019 as he dropped 36 home runs.
While the power was up, the speed in the outfield was down. Looking to build on an otherwise impressive campaign last year, the now-28-year-old wound up sidelined in spring training with a hip issue. After baseball was shut down due to the virus, yung Joc decided it was time to get to work.
Of course, gyms and workout facilities were closed. So Joc asked around.
When this quarantine stuff happened, I reached out to my agent and said ‘the gyms are shutting down, they’re telling us we can start up whenever, like, we have to stay in shape… what am I supposed to do?’ And they got me hooked up with Tonal.com and they set me up with a full-size gym that really takes up no space.
When summer camp kicked off in July at Dodger Stadium, the change was immediately noticeable. And it wasn’t because he was curling his daughter Poppy or dog Blue… Accord to Tonal, what Joc was using is an all-in-one machine that “utilizes a digital weight system and A.I. to deliver users a highly personal, optimized workout.”
It’s like a flat board on the wall … I just hoped in the garage and literally while the baby’s sleeping I can pump out a 45-minute workout. Full sweat. Personal trainer — the A.I. that calibrates how much weight I should be pushing out and push it to the limit!
Notably, during intrasquad and now exhibition games at Dodger Stadium, Joc was moving better. Something the team attributes to a “mobility coach,” is also the product of his home workout during an over three-month layoff. Pederson is making plays in the outfield and even stealing bases again.
As for the power? Don’t worry, it’s still there.
Talk about a one-two punch. pic.twitter.com/IsBvIHyFta
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 21, 2020
Even in a shortened season, Joc Pederson is locked and loaded to make an impact heading into his first experience of free agency. But if you asked him now, he doesn’t care about the personal stuff, he cares about his team.
For @yungjoc650, it's not about what happens next year, it's about getting it done this year.
More with Joc on YouTube: https://t.co/8l3W54tFym
iTunes: https://t.co/EkBoyomm2X
Spotify: https://t.co/ZktmWbobOwSubscribe! pic.twitter.com/4jyyIfZa4w
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) July 19, 2020
Thankfully he put himself in the best situation to get that title with a little help from his friends at Tonal.
Go get em Joc. You have been a favorite in our house since you came up. I still believe there is so much more in there and I hope it comes out this season.
Good luck partner.
I always liked Joc. It was a mistake to try to trade him and Stripling. He should be in left field against all RHP. Also glad to see him out of the leadoff spot so he can get more RBIs to go along with the HRs. Good to see a guy working to improve. Still hope he can learn to hit lefties with a shortened up swing.