Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig arrived at Camelback Ranch last week, days earlier than position players were expected to report for Spring Training. Puig was joined by Kiké Hernandez, Corey Seager, Justin Turner and Chase Utley, among others.
After spending the offseason losing weight, as directed by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, this spring marks the first step in Puig looking to recapture the success he had in 2013 and 2014.
Hamstring injuries limited the dynamic outfielder to a career-low 79 games last season. Puig hit .255/.322/.436 with 11 home runs, 38 RBIs, .328 wOBA and 111 wRC+, and was largely a non-factor.
He’s reconnecting with those who were part of a successful rookie season, and is working with Dodgers legend Maury Wills in camp.
However, Puig was not part of the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout on Thursday as he was still dealing with the after effects of having his wisdom teeth removed. The oral surgery only kept the 25-year-old Cuban native out for one day as he returned Friday, per ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
A day after missing the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout of the spring, Yasiel Puig was cleared for full participation Friday, manager Dave Roberts said. Puig was a no-go Thursday after having wisdom teeth removed. Roberts said there are no injuries of significance to report.
Although Puig is coming off a down season, those in the Dodgers organization remain confident he will right the ship. The confidence played a part in Los Angeles rejecting trade offers for Puig, and instead attempting to move Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier.
Puig is currently the subject of a Major League Baseball investigation for his role in a fight outside a Miami bar last November. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred recently put Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes on paid leave, and is expected to soon have another ruling on either Puig’s or Aroldis Chapman’s investigation.
