While the Los Angeles Dodgers have worked with Yasiel Puig in recent seasons on improving at the plate and trimming weight, his defense has remained a strength and drawn regular praise.
During Spring Training, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he believed Puig belonged in the conversation for best right fielder in baseball. If there was an area that needed improvement, it was hitting the cutoff man, which Puig has done with more regularity this season.
But on Monday there was nothing but a play at the plate in front of Puig. Brandon Belt worked a one-out walk in the bottom of the first, then advanced to second base on a soft grounder.
Puig then threw Belt out at home on his attempt to score on Buster Posey’s base hit to right field. The assist was Puig’s first of the season.
He led Dodgers outfielders in 2016 with six assists. While Puig prevented a run from scoring in the first inning, the Giants pushed one across in the second and seventh innings to come away with a 2-1 victory.
Puig had one of the Dodgers’ four hits on the night. The loss was the Dodgers’ sixth straight at AT&T Park, in a streak that dates back to last season.
