Puig was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and inserted back in his former spot as the Dodgers’ starting right fielder Friday night.
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Finally, we have to realize that this is all put squarely on manager Dave Roberts. Puig’s success in Triple-A can not be understated as he batted.348 with four home runs in 19 games at Oklahoma City.
Los Angeles tied the game in the bottom half when Pederson hit a solo home run off Brandon Morrow. “I’m here now and grateful for the opportunity”. He was reportedly placed on waivers and claimed by another club but no trade was worked out. All I can do is try to improve what I did wrong, the things that got me sent me here. If it’s with another team, then that’s something that I can’t control.
Puig said he spoke with several teammates before Friday’s game as well and acknowledged “it was hard to see them do so well without me”, telling them he wanted to be “part of that family” again.
“As the game went on I was able to feel more comfortable as the game went on”, said Puig who was cheered by fans all night long. He met with some of his teammates before batting practice.
Said Puig: “They explained to me what they needed from me”.
As the season has progressed, Roberts has proven that he is an excellent communicator, a good judge of character and is completely dedicated to his job. “But for him to do that, it says a lot about his character”.
Los Angeles is banking on the hope that Puig can recapture the magic from his remarkable rookie season in 2013.
“Julio has done everything we’ve asked from him”, added Roberts. “I think they know the character of Yasiel and what he can bring to help us win baseball games. I certainly would have been surprised if they had nixed the idea”.
Now the Dodgers have a month to figure out what the hell to do about right field.
Ryu will likely miss the remainder of the season with an injured left elbow, but Anderson, McCarthy and Kazmir are close to being activated, while Wood might return later this month in a relief role. I’m doing the work I have to do.
Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw is scheduled to pitch in a rehab game at Class A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday.
Kershaw is expected to pitch the first three innings or approximately 50 pitches. Anderson is on the disabled list with a finger blister.
Kershaw, who hasn’t pitched since June 26 because of a herniated disk in his lower back, will begin a rehab assignment this weekend, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters Thursday.
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Despite the loss, the Dodgers (74-60) remained two games ahead of the San Francisco Giants, who lost to the Chicago Cubs earlier in the day, atop of the National League West.
