Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig Responds To Criticism From Keith Olbermann
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Up next
Author

Yasiel Puig arrived in the Majors like a lightning rod in June 2013. His play helped spark the Los Angeles Dodgers to a remarkable turnaround but also drew criticism from analysts, pundits and players outside the organization.

As Puig’s production waned in 2015 and 2016, the critics grew louder. The Dodgers themselves reached a breaking point and demoted their talented yet polarizing outfielder to Triple-A Oklahoma City last season after failed attempts to trade him.

Puig responded by demonstrating a renewed work ethic and focus. It translated to arguably the best season of his career.

That’s carried into the postseason, where the 26-year-old has been one of, if not the Dodgers’ top hitter. While Puig drew rave reviews throughout the year, he was in Keith Olbermann’s crosshairs during Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

Puig’s RBI double in the fifth inning put the Dodgers on the board and cut their deficit in half. His key hit included a bat flip and subsequent celebration.

That prompted Olbermann to mask a request within criticism of Puig:

Puig, who once extended an olive branch to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, did the same for Olbermann:

The political commentator accepted Puig’s offer and apologized for his remarks:

Prior to sending his tweet, Puig went 2-for-4 with the aforementioned double and a home run to lead the Dodgers to a 5-2 win. He’s 7-for-15 with two doubles, a triple, home run and six RBI in five postseason games this October.