When it comes to Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, the spotlight is never too far away. Whether Puig is turning in a highlight-worthy play, or the subject of an off-the-field matter, the polarizing outfielder can’t do much without being discussed.
Coming off an injury-plagued 2015 season, Puig was at somewhat of a crossroads in his young career. There questions about his work ethic, and a widespread belief Puig and former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly didn’t have the most harmonious relationship.
Puig said during the offseason he and Mattingly didn’t understand each other, but didn’t blame his former skipper for the Dodgers’ shortcomings in the postseason.
By all accounts rookie manager Dave Roberts hasn’t had the same trouble connecting with Puig, who lost weight during the offseason and reported to Spring Training with improved focus.
In an interview with ESPN’s Marly Rivera, Puig touched on the positive aspects of his relationship with Roberts:
“With Mattingly, our personalities didn’t mesh. Dave Roberts is a great person; he helps me every day. If I do something wrong, he talks to me straight up and addresses it. He respects me, and I respect him. He encourages me and has confidence in me, and I think that has been the difference. He lets me be me, lets me enjoy playing baseball and have fun.”
Roberts has spoken fondly of Puig on several occasions this season, going so far as to say managing him has been a ‘joy.’ Roberts also hasn’t been afraid to offer constructive criticism of the 25-year-old outfielder.
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, a more mature and engaged Puig hasn’t yet translated to on-field results. Puig is batting .235/.285/.383 in 31 games, and has hardly been immune to the slump that several players are going through.
