Joc Pederson isn’t hitting much yet but seems to be in Dodgers’ plans

This month was expected to offer Joc Pederson a glimpse of the major leagues, nothing more. Instead, September has turned into an audition for the 22-year-old prospect, whom the Dodgers now view as a candidate to be on their postseason roster.

“There’s a possibility of that,” Manager Don Mattingly said.

With Yasiel Puig sidelined by an unspecified stomach problem Saturday night, Pederson started in center field for the third time in four games in the Dodgers’ 5-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

Calling Pederson the Dodgers’ only natural center fielder, Mattingly played him over Andre Ethier, who suddenly finds himself the team’s sixth outfielder.

If Pederson remains on the roster in October, it’s likely Ethier won’t.

Pederson has been in the major leagues for six days. Ethier is a nine-year veteran who is guaranteed $56 million over the next three seasons.

Of course, this problem will only exist if the Dodgers reach the playoffs. They currently hold a two-game lead over the second-place San Francisco Giants in the National League West.

For his part, Pederson said he isn’t looking ahead.

“Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it,” Pederson said. “I’m just thinking about right now. Whatever Donnie needs from me, I’m here to do.”

Pederson’s play in center field wasn’t a factor on this night.

At the plate, Pederson was 0 for 3 with a strikeout. He drove an eighth-inning offering from Diamondbacks reliever Daniel Hudson to the warning track.

Pederson has struck out six times in 12 at-bats since Monday, when he was promoted from triple-A Albuquerque.

This wasn’t entirely unexpected. Pederson struck out 149 times in 445 at-bats in triple A.

“There’s going to be some failure,” Mattingly said. “He struck out a lot in triple A. I expect him to strike out here.”

But Mattingly said that as Pederson gains experience, he should cut down on his strikeouts.

“I’m not afraid to say it: I think he’s going to hit,” Mattingly said. “I think he’s going to be a good player.”

Mattingly previously compared Pederson’s left-handed stroke to those of Robinson Cano and Carlos Gonzalez.

Still, Mattingly acknowledged he doesn’t know how long it will take Pederson to adjust to major league pitching.

As it is, Pederson felt he made significant improvements this season.

He made it a point to improve his at-bats against left-handed pitchers and batted .299 against them in the Pacific Coast League.

He also wanted to improve his baserunning and stole 30 bases, becoming the first PCL player in 80 years to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season.

“It’s encouraging that a lot of the stuff we worked on translated into the numbers,” Pederson said. “It doesn’t always work like that in this game. I’m excited to see how this goes.”

Pederson spent last winter playing in front of raucous crowds in Venezuela, an experience he thinks will benefit him in the majors.

“It gets loud out there,” Pederson said. “Down there, it’s 100% about winning and that’s how it is up here. It’s as close as you’re going to get.”

Pederson said he is flattered by Mattingly’s willingness to play him in the final stretch of a pennant race.

“It’s humbling that he believes in me,” Pederson said. “It’s also making me realize that I belong here and that I can help this team win.”

Asked if he had any reservations about starting a player with so little experience, Mattingly replied, “Not really. I think he’s a good defender. I think he’s a baseball player.”

As for Ethier, Mattingly said he feels sympathy for the two-time All-Star, who is batting a disappointing .250.

“Andre and I have talked about this,” Mattingly said. “I know it’s not a great situation for him. There are so many spots for so many guys.”

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com

Twitter: @dylanohernandez