The Los Angeles Dodgers want to see a smaller Yasiel Puig when training camp begins next spring.
On Monday, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the team believes Puig has gotten too big and needs to slim down a bit.
“That’s a focus. He has continued to get bigger and stronger each year,” Friedman said, via Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. “It may not be the optimal size for him to play 150 games, 150-plus games.”
Puig played in just 79 games last season after landing on the disabled list twice with hamstring injuries. Many were anticipating a breakout year from him after he batted .296 in 148 games during the 2014 season. Instead, Puig was a major disappointment and hit just .255 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI. His on-base percentage of .322 was down a full 60 points from 2014.
Puig has been working with the Dodgers strength and conditioning staff.
“The reports have been great,” Friedman added.
It’s certainly a concern that Puig, who is only 24, is already having problems staying on the field. As an added bonus, perhaps losing a little weight would put a little zip in Puig’s step and help him avoid future situations like this. The Dodgers will have lofty expectations for him in 2016.
