In response to failing to trade Yasiel Puig before the 1 p.m. PT non-waiver trade deadline on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned their once-coveted outfielder to the Minors.
It was initially reported on Monday that Puig angrily left Dodger Stadium after learning he would not be traveling to Colorado for the team’s three-game set against the Rockies, but that was later proven to be incorrect.
Puig was made aware of the Dodgers’ plans, and thus he was never at Dodger Stadium with his teammates to board a bus that took the traveling party to a chartered plane.
At the time of announcing their multiple roster moves on Tuesday, Los Angeles curiously did not name which affiliate was Puig was being demoted to.
According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, that’s since been revealed to be Triple-A Oklahoma City:
Yasiel Puig is expected to officially be assigned to the Oklahoma City Dodgers on Thursday. He will have 72 hours after that to report to his new team.
Although Puig has played his usual above-average defense in right field this season, he’s struggled to find consistency at the plate and owns a career-low .706 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 81 games.
Puig’s name was included in multiple trade rumors prior to the deadline, despite Dodgers chairman Mark Walter refuting the notion talks were being held to move the polarizing outfielder.
This season has not been a complete loss for Puig as he hit .308/.390/.440 since coming off the disabled list in late June. However the demotion is said to also be based on behavioral issues.
On the season, Puig is batting .260/.320/.386 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs.
