The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Yasiel Puig from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, and optioned Carlos Frias to Triple-A Oklahoma City to clear room on active roster for Puig’s return.
The 25-year-old outfielder had been on the DL since June 3 with a strained left hamstring. Puig joined High-A Rancho Cucamonga last week for a rehab assignment that lasted five games.
He went 5-for-12 with one home run, two RBIs, three walks and three strikeouts, while playing 31 innings in right field during his time with the Quakes.
In the time leading up to the rehab assignment, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Puig was working on the mechanics of his swing.
That, along with the quality of Puig’s at-bats, have often been discussed by Roberts this season.
Puig is hitting .237/.283/.360 with four doubles, two triples, five home runs and 20 RBIs in 53 games. Frias was recalled from Oklahoma City on Sunday with the Dodgers in need of a fresh arm in the bullpen, though never appeared in a game.
He took the roster spot of Mike Bolsinger and was believed to be a candidate to remain the rotation. However, with Frias getting sent back down, it appears the Dodgers will use the off-day on Thursday to skip that turn in the rotation and keep the starters on regular rest. Los Angeles is now back to an eight-man bullpen.
