Yasiel Puig is once again being criticized and scrutinized for his lack of effort and focus with the Dodgers.
FOX Sports MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal reported on Friday that Puig “angered” some teammates and coaches during the NLDS with his lack of focus and effort on defense. Puig was eventually benched in Game 4 after striking out 8 times in his previous 9 at-bats.
Here’s what Rosenthal reported:
Puig, 23, angered some teammates and coaches throughout the series with his occasional lack of focus and effort in center field, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Rosenthal then went on to cite specific plays where Puig did not give max effort, making it seem like he was spoon-fed the report by someone intimately involved with the team.
The biggest example of Puig’s perceived lack of effort in center came on this play in Game 3, where Hanley Ramirez went out to left-center field to make the play. Puig can be seen just jogging towards the ball:
Additionally, a defensive play in Game 2 where he allowed a double on a hit by Matt Carpenter was cited. It was pointed out that both plays happened after Puig had struck out in the previous half-inning.
Why is this coming out? Probably not to blame Puig for the team’s losses, but to justify benching him in the last game to all those who wondered why Don Mattingly sat him. Maybe the source of the report is Mattingly, who is fighting for his job and trying to look good.
