Dodgers recall Puig after month in minors

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed to reporters the club has recalled outfielder Yasiel Puig, who is in the lineup for Friday's series opener at home against the San Diego Padres.

Puig's return to the Dodgers comes exactly a month after the 25-year-old right fielder was sent to Triple-A Oklahoma City due to declining performance and reported behavior issues. In 81 games prior to his demotion, the Cuban star hit 260/.320/.386 with seven home runs and 10 doubles.

Appearing on MLB Network Radio prior to Friday's game, Roberts said he and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman spoke with veteran players before deciding on bringing Puig back.

"Yasiel has done everything that was asked of him and performed for that Oklahoma City team," Roberts said. "As we talked through things, we felt ultimately he makes us better."

Puig's stay in the minors has been productive, if eventful. The former All-Star made headlines last month for his late-night Snapchat party videos, though he's led by example on the field, slashing .348/.400/.594 with four homers in 19 games while earning praise from the Dodgers' front office.

"The conversations we had with him at the beginning of August really resonated with him," Friedman said Tuesday. "I think there's been a very conscious effort to listen to what was said, and apply it to his daily work. The reports from (Oklahoma City manager Bill) Haselman have been really good."

It's the latest turn in what's been a roller-coaster career for Puig, who was reportedly claimed through waivers earlier this week by a mystery National League team. The Dodgers elected to hold on to their mercurial star, whose electric major-league debut in 2013 made him a household name.

In the three seasons since, Puig's battled inconsistency at the plate and rumors of malcontent behavior in the clubhouse. He's under contract for about $17 million over the next two seasons.