If Pederson can be an improved version of his first-half self, his return could prove a boon for a Rangers team in the middle of a playoff push.

Pederson, who joined Texas on a $37 million, two-year contract during free agency in December, went 0-for-4 -- beginning with a first-inning strikeout with the bases loaded. He batted fifth as the designated hitter for Texas, which beat the Atlanta Braves 8-1 to sweep the three-game series and run its winning streak to six.

Joc Pederson is expected to be back in the Texas Rangers lineup Sunday after missing 52 games because of a broken right hand.