Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig Focused On Contributing, Keeping Ball Off The Ground
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig Focused On Contributing, Keeping Ball Off The Ground

Matthew Moreno
April 6, 2017
0 Min Read
Yasiel-puig
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have used a platoon in left field and center field through their first few games of the 2017 regular season, Yasiel Puig has started every game in right field. He’s the lone outfielder who’s been in the lineup all three games.

Puig reported to Spring Training hoping to re-establish himself as an everyday player. The Dodgers have provided him with the opportunity to play such a role. But, it’s come with a small caveat. Including the exhibition Freeway Series, Puig has been slotted in the No. 8 hole in five of the past six games.

The lone exception came when Los Angeles faced San Diego Padres left-handed starter Clayton Richard on Tuesday. Puig went 0-for-3, though the Dodgers managed just five hits and were shutout.

“I’m not used to it,” he said. “But that’s the position I was given and I’m going to ask God to keep me in the lineup. I’m going try to do my job.”

Puig hit his first home run of the season in Wednesday’s victory. “I’m focused on bettering my pitch recognition every day, working with [hitting coach] Turner Ward every day just to try to better my swing,” he said through an interpreter after the game.

Puig’s work ethic and production, or lack thereof, have been in the spotlight since his demotion last August to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Roberts recently said he’s not inclined to move the 26-year-old up in the lineup until there are better results at the plate. There was noted improvement against the Padres.

“I didn’t know if it was a changeup or slider, and he got out in front of it but stayed through the ball. He had a couple good at-bats,” Roberts said of Puig’s night. “I think the at-bat quality he’s giving us, there’s a lot to be said about stressing a pitcher one through eight (in the lineup), and Yasiel does that.”

Puig has not said whether or not hitting eighth has provided any additional motivation. He instead is focusing on doing his part to contribute, as well as keeping the ball off the ground.

“I need to put the ball in the air,” Puig said. “Or else I’m not going to have any money in my pockets.”

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Los Angeles DodgersYasiel Puig
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Executive Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Noah Syndergaard
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Noah Syndergaard Going To ‘Keep On Grinding And Chipping Away’

May 27, 2023
May 28, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Cody Bellinger makes a leaping catch during Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Cody Bellinger Wins 2 Fielding Bible Awards For Defensive Efforts During 2019 Season

November 2, 2019
October 27, 2022
Juan Soto, 2024 World Series
Rumors

Juan Soto Rumors: Preference Is To Sign With East Coast Team

November 7, 2024
November 9, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, LADF
Dodgers News

Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Announces Grant Donations To Local Nonprofit Organizations

January 16, 2018
January 16, 2018

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어