Unable to trade Yasiel Puig prior to the non-waiver deadline on Aug. 1, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. It marked the first time in Puig’s career he’d play at the Triple-A level.
Puig played 40 games in Double-A prior to making his Major League debut in June 2013. His demotion was said to be tied to off-the-field matters and a lack of a strong pregame routine.
Puig joined Oklahoma City on Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa for the start of a four-game series. He went 2-for-4 with one double and three RBIs in a 6-4 loss.
Oklahoma City lost again Monday, with Puig going 0-for-3 with one walk and one strikeout. However, it was what transpired after the loss that’s become the larger headline.
Beginning in the clubhouse and appearing to continue on a party bus, Puig posted a story to his Snapchat account of him and several Oklahoma City teammates dancing, singing, and doing other activities expected from 20-something-year-olds.
The story has since been deleted from Puig’s account, but the videos were uploaded to Twitter by user @RothOfKhan, one of which is included below:
@FlyByKnite pic.twitter.com/KYucHv7RgZ
— Ryan (@RothOfKhan) August 9, 2016
In recently discussing Puig’s demotion, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said one area the enigmatic outfielder wished to improve in was being a better teammate. Oklahoma City plays Tuesday night, with first pitch coming just after 5 p.m. PT.
Puig hit .260/.320/.386 with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 34 RBIs over 81 games with the Dodgers.
