Joc Pederson cut by Dodgers, sees Australia trip as a benefit

SYDNEY, Australia –- Joc Pederson didn’t make the Dodgers’ opening day roster, but the outfield prospect thinks traveling with the team to Australia will help him prepare for when he is called up to the major leagues.

“I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Pederson said. “Even if I’m not on the roster, I get to be around the guys when the season starts and kind of get my feet wet. Everybody’s different during the season than in spring training, how they mentally prepare, their pregame routines. I get to see it before I’m up here.”

Pederson was reassigned to the minor leagues Saturday along with Zach Lee and Miguel Rojas. Catcher Tim Federowicz was optioned to the minors.

Pederson, 21, could be called up in September, if not earlier. If the Dodgers don’t add him to their 40-man roster by some time in November they would lose him in the Rule 5 draft.

As the youngest player on the Australia trip, Pederson has been on the receiving end of playful teasing from older teammates. Pederson was instructed by one of the veterans to take a stereo from Arizona to Australia.

He did, but there was one problem.

“It’s not working now,” he said.

For the last few days, the Dodgers didn’t have any music in the clubhouse.

“I’m hearing about it every day,” Pederson said.

Pederson posted a message on Twitter about his misadventure. Fortunately for him, an employee of Beats by Dr. Dre offered to replace the stereo.

“I hope it’s there in time” for the Dodgers’ stateside opener, Pederson said.