Peters' first MLB hit comes close to home

May 9th, 2021

Of the Dodgers’ 17 hits in their 14-11 win over the Angels on Saturday night at Angel Stadium, one stood out as particularly special.

, who had been called up earlier that day, entered in the fifth as a defensive substitution for right fielder Mookie Betts. In the top of the seventh, Peters popped one up down the left-field line between a trio of Angels fielders. Left fielder Jon Jay attempted a sliding catch but couldn’t hold onto what was called a fair ball. Following a review, the call was upheld, and Peters officially had his first big league hit, ruled a double.

There was undeniably something meaningful for Peters, a native of Glendora, Calif., getting his first hit in the Majors so close to home.

“I think the only thing better would have been if it was at Dodger Stadium,” manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday. “For DJ, [he still lives] in Greater Los Angeles, [his] family, friends are here, so couldn't be happier for him.”

Peters went on to score his first Major League run on a Max Muncy single, and his teammates had a bit of fun with him when he got back to the dugout, presenting him with a scuffed-up, pine-tar-slathered baseball -- not the real thing, of course.

“The guys like DJ, and [they were] trolling him a little bit, having fun with him. I'm sure he received it well,” said Roberts. “But, yeah, we got that one official.”

Injury updates
• AJ Pollock was out of the lineup for a second straight day after exiting Friday’s game with a left hamstring strain. Roberts said that Pollock would be unavailable on Sunday and that the left fielder would receive additional treatment during Monday’s off-day. The club would then evaluate whether he would be able to start on Tuesday when the Dodgers open a series at Dodger Stadium against the Mariners. Roberts remains hopeful that an injured-list stint for Pollock won’t be necessary.

• Right-hander Brusdar Graterol, out since April 29 with right forearm tightness, is “progressing,” according to Roberts, throwing from up to 90 feet on Sunday.

“We want to keep him with us, keep our pitching guys watching him closely, and making sure the delivery gets where it needs to be, stays where it needs to be,” said Roberts. “But I think [it’s] good seeing him playing catch, and hopefully, we'll get him on the mound here in a couple of days.”