Fansided

MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers expected to recall Yasiel Puig

By Brad Berreman

Jul 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after being called out on strikes during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) reacts after being called out on strikes during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

After a month-long exile to Triple-A, Yasiel Puig is slated to be recalled by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

With a lack of production, lingering injuries and attitude issues as the perfect recipe, the Los Angeles Dodgers demoted outfielder Yasiel Puig to Triple-A in early August. He was claimed off revocable waivers earlier this week, but the Dodgers did not work out a trade with that team.

Any trade rumors surrounding Puig will now have to wait for the offseason. The Dodgers are dealing with injuries and under achievement in their outfield right now, so some reinforcements are needed. Major league rosters expanded on Thursday, and Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reported the Dodgers are expected to recall Puig this weekend. Ken Gurnick of MLB.com also reported that a recall of Puig is imminent.

All other things aside, Puig has earned a promotion during his time with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Over 19 games during his demotion (75 plate appearances), he has posted a .348/.400/.594 slash-line with four home runs and 12 RBI.

Since breaking out in 2013 and earning an All-Star selection in 2014, injuries have limited Puig to 160 games with the Dodgers over the last two seasons. As expected his production has dropped off over that span, with a .258/.321/.411 slash-line, 18 home runs, 72 RBI and eight stolen bases over essentially a season worth of plate appearances (614).

Puig will turn 26 in December, and he’s owed close to $17.5 million over the remaining two full years of his contract. Based on his potential that is a financial steal, but Puig has to show something to either cement his place with the Dodgers or bolster his trade value.

Related Story: MLB Rumors: 5 teams Yasiel Puig could restart his career with

The Dodgers are clinging to a two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants, and ace Clayton Kershaw is progressing toward a return after being out since late-June. But an offensive boost that Puig can help provide is arguably just as valuable down the stretch, provided he can keep his head on straight.

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers