Dodgers' Pederson one HR shy of NL rookie record before All-Star Game

Dodgers rookie center fielder Joc Pederson hit his 20th home run of the year on Monday. That puts him one shy of Albert Pujols’ (2001) rookie record for homers before the All-Star break. With about two weeks left until the break, Pederson may very well eclipse that mark.

Pujols does not hold the NL rookie record for home runs in a season. He hit 37 his rookie year. Wally Berger and Frank Robinson both hit 38 their rookie years. The major-league record for rookie homers in a season belongs to the Dodgers’ current hitting coach, Mark McGwire, who hit 49 in 1987. Pederson may not reach McGwire's mark, but he sure hits them like Big Mac.

(h/t MLB.com)