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Braves look to Joc Pederson for outfield help, meet Rays

Field Level Media

When the Atlanta Braves host the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle game of their three-game series Saturday night, outfielder Joc Pederson likely will be starting his first game for his new team.

In the wake of Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season-ending knee injury last weekend, the Braves acquired Pederson, 29, on Thursday, sending minor-league first baseman Bryce Ball to the Chicago Cubs -- perhaps a sign of surrender from the struggling club on Chicago's north side.

A veteran of seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pederson batted .230 with 11 homers and 39 RBIs in 73 games with the Cubs.