Joc Pederson News: Dropped to fifth

Pederson batted fifth in the order and went 0-for-2 in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

Pederson had consistently batted third to begin the 2025 campaign, but his season-opening slump finally prompted manager Bruce Bochy to move him down in the order, with Josh Smith taking over the third spot Saturday. Pederson is now 2-for-55 (.055) to start the season and could be in danger of more than being dropped in the order. Bochy might be tempted to give the hot-hitting Smith (.341), a super-utility player without a permanent home in the everyday lineup, more opportunities at DH ahead of Pederson.