With the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Cleveland Indians on the road for the first time since June 2003, it marked a new experience for the majority of players on the Dodgers active roster. Included in that group was Yasiel Puig.
For Clayton Kershaw, it checked off one of the final stadiums he’d yet to pitch in. Now, only SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, is the lone ballpark Kershaw has not toed the rubber in.
As for Puig, who batted ninth in the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lineup against Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer, he made an immediate impact early.
Puig drove a fastball to right-center field that carried for a two-run home run that gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. The home run was Puig’s 10th this season and first since May 28.
It was accompanied by an obscene gesture Puig gave to a group of fans who heckled him. The 26-year-old took ownership of his actions and expressed some remorse and disappointment of the incident, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“I reacted that way. I stooped to their level,” he said through an interpreter. “It happened suddenly. It’s something that came out. Nothing I can do about it now.”
Puig said he “forgot” what they said that prompted him to react that way and said he was prepared if MLB decides to fine him for his action.
“I know I did it,” he said. “What can I do now?”
The exchange is a bump in the road of what otherwise has been an encouraging season for Puig off the field. Although he’s endured slumps at the plate, Puig’s willingness to continue working with hitting coaches hasn’t wavered.
Puig was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount for his actions. Puig appealed the suspension and played in Wednesday’s game.
