The Texas Rangers powered past the New York Yankees in a 10-inning win last night — and did so with a bit of added motivation after an awkward jab from the Yankees’ broadcast team toward struggling Rangers slugger Joc Pederson.
Pederson, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal with Texas this offseason after putting up a 150 OPS+ with Arizona in 2024, has yet to find his rhythm at the plate. Batting just .132 and recently returning from injury, he’s struggled enough to be removed from the starting lineup in recent games.
Yankees announcers’ physique remark backfires as struggling Texas Rangers DH delivers season highlight
So when Joc Pederson stepped up in the 9th inning with the Rangers trailing 5-4 on Monday night, Yankees broadcasters Ryan Ruocco and David Cone didn’t seem too concerned. Not only did they bring up his ongoing slump, but they also appeared to mock his body shape, with a comment implying he’d packed on some weight.
“You can see the physique definitely has evolved for Joc,” Ruocco remarked, drawing attention to Pederson’s appearance.
But just a few pitches later, Pederson got the last word — launching a 2-1 pitch from Devin Williams into the right field seats for a game-tying solo homer.
The Rangers weren’t done. In the 10th inning, after the Yankees intentionally walked Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung — another Texas player trying to rebound from a tough season — crushed a three-run walk-off homer. It was a fitting finish after the broadcast crew’s comments, and a reminder that mocking slumping players can backfire fast. Ruocco and Cone may want to think twice before throwing shade when the teams meet again Tuesday.
