Here's the main reason the Dodgers are bringing Yasiel Puig back
Yasiel Puig will rejoin the Dodgers this weekend a month after he was demoted to Triple-A, according to reports.
.@Dodgers to recall OF Yasiel Puig this weekend, @kengurnick reports. Club hasn't confirmed. https://t.co/yR0sO3Li09 pic.twitter.com/MDjN4i6XCA
— MLB (@MLB) September 2, 2016
However, it seems more likely that Puig actually is auditioning for 29 other teams this September rather than auditioning for the Dodgers.
Puig, 25, was hitting .260 with seven homers and 34 RBI in 81 games at the time of his demotion. Judging from his on-field performance at Triple-A – he hit .348 with four homers and 12 RBI in 19 games – the experiment was a success. But things are more complicated with Puig, whose demeanor, attitude and personality also have been concerns since his breakout rookie season in 2013.
Earlier this week, Puig reflected on why he was sent to the minors and pledged that he will be a better teammate upon his return to Los Angeles. Until now, it wasn’t even a certainty that he’d ever wear a Dodgers uniform again. Not only were there doubts he’d be recalled this month, he also was claimed by an unknown team on revocable waivers this week. A trade never materialized, but an offseason deal is possible -- if not probable.
Puig claimed by unspecified team, per @JonHeyman. Again: Trade more likely in off-season when #Dodgers can deal with 29 clubs, not one.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 30, 2016
As for September, Puig’s role remains unclear.
With the Dodgers battling to maintain their slim lead in the NL West and with a crowded outfield – Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson and Josh Reddick are starting, with Andrew Toles also earning more playing time and Andre Ethier expected back soon from a leg injury – it’s unclear how much Puig actually will play. And barring a spectacular September from Puig, it's tough to imagine LA including him on its playoff roster. As for next season and beyond, injured outfielders Trayce Thompson and Scott Van Slyke also factor into the Dodgers’ plans.
In other words, catch Puig while you still can in the Dodgers' outfield.
