After failed attempts to trade Yasiel Puig prior to Monday’s 1 p.m. non-waiver deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned the 25-year-old to the Minors prior to beginning a three-game series with the Colorado Rockies.
News of the organization’s expected decision broke Monday afternoon when it was initially reported Puig angrily left the Dodgers clubhouse after being informed of the two potential outcomes. However, that was later corrected to Puig having previous knowledge and therefore never arriving at Dodger Stadium, as instructed.
Although Puig has gone through his fair share of inconsistency and slumps at the plate this season, he’s played strong defense in right field and is one of the more dynamic players on the roster.
As for the Dodgers’ decision to send Puig to the Minors, it extends beyond Puig’s performance, according to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:
Controversial Dodgers talent Yasiel Puig’s coming demotion isn’t all about his performance, but also his demeanor/behavior, people close to the situation say.
“His performance and his act through the year led (the Dodgers) to this point,” one person familiar with the situation said.
The polarizing outfielder was the subject of recent trade rumors, more so than in year’s prior, which implied Los Angeles this time was motivated to deal Puig. Though, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter said days before Monday’s deadline he didn’t believe the club had Puig on the trading block.
This marks the first time in Puig’s career he’s been demoted since making his Major League debut in June 2013.
