After being removed from the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the fifth inning on Sunday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Yasiel Puig is dealing with a right intercostal oblique strain.
Puig made his impact on the game known before leaving with the injury as he launched a three-run home run to straightaway center in his first at-bat to give the Dodgers an early 3-0 lead.
The home run was Puig’s 11th on the season and his second straight at-bat with a homer dating back to the ninth inning of Saturday night’s game.
He suffered the injury during his at-bat in the fifth inning when he took a big swing. The trainer came out to look at him and he was removed for the game in the middle of his at-bat.
It is currently unknown how serious the injury is, although it seems like it will likely require a disabled list stint. That is a tough break for Puig as he has been one of the best hitters in all of baseball since the beginning of May.
If Puig is forced to miss an extended period of time, then Kiké Hernandez will likely see increased playing time and either Andrew Toles or Alex Verdugo could be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the severity of Puig’s injury could affect the Dodgers approach to the deadline. They have been linked to Manny Machado, and if they do end up acquiring him then Chris Taylor can move back to the outfield.
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