Report: Puig's lack of effort during NLDS angered Dodgers teammates, coaches
Los Angeles Dodgers players and coaches grew increasingly frustrated with Yasiel Puig's lack of focus during their National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Rosenthal's report identifies several instances during the series that Puig's actions angered his teammates, notably his defensive effort in center field. It's unknown whether said discontent was the source of Puig's benching in the Cardinals' series-clinching Game 4 win.
Puig, who entered the elimination game in the ninth inning as a pinch runner, struck out in eight of his final nine at-bats of the series. According to the report, Puig's plate struggles were only the tip of the iceberg.
| NLDS VS. CARDINALS | AVG. | K% | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yasiel Puig | .250 (3-for-12) | 57.1% | .774 |
Rosenthal points to the outfielder's "sporadic lapses" as a source of tension with the Dodgers, as well as Puig's propensity for showing up late, refusing to listen, and displaying a sense of entitlement.
Two plays in particular during the NLDS allegedly drew the ire of the Dodgers dugout.
Several teammates were reportedly upset with Puig's lackadaisical effort during Hanley Ramirez's terrific over-the-shoulder catch in shallow left field during Game 3, even though replay appears to show Carl Crawford in much better position to assist the shortstop in making the play.
According to the report, teammates questioned whether Puig brought his offensive frustration into the field after striking out in an at-bat the previous inning.
Here's more from Rosenthal:
Another play in Game 2 of the Division Series also irritated some Dodgers personnel, sources said. It occurred after Puig had struck out in a big spot with one out and runners on first and third in the fifth.
The Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter led off the top half with a drive into the left-center field gap. Puig got a late break, took a somewhat indirect route and could not reach a ball that may have been catchable if he had reacted properly. He recovered with a stunning, whirling throw, but Carpenter reached second with a clean double.
The report notes that several veterans, including Adrian Gonzalez and Juan Uribe, have tried to counsel the 23-year-old star. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly declined comment for Rosenthal's story.