Joc Pederson News: Batting fifth in return

The Rangers reinstated Pederson (hand) from the 10-day injured list Sunday. He'll start at designated hitter and bat fifth against Atlanta.

Texas optioned Michael Helman to Triple-A Round Rock to clear room on the 26-man roster for Pederson, who missed two months while recovering from a fractured right hand. Though he made one of his two rehab starts at first base, he's expected to be Texas' primary DH. Prior to the injury, Pederson had gotten off to a slow start to his first season with the Rangers, slashing just .131/.269/.238 over 145 plate appearances. On a positive note, Pederson had been striking out at a career-low 19.3 percent.