Dodgers' Mattingly challenges Puig to stop reacting, start adjusting to pitchers

Yasiel Puig is an extraordinary ballplayer, but his manager wants him to be a controlled one.

The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, known for his electric, and sometimes erratic, style of play, can sometimes be a detriment to himself. Coming off an injury, Puig pinch hit Saturday against the Miami Marlins.

Upon seeing his name in the starting lineup Sunday, he joked that he was "just a pinch hitter."

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly saw his return as an opportunity to discuss which areas of his game he can improve on, specifically, his approach at the plate.

"It's really almost up to him," Mattingly said. "Is he going to make adjustments to pitching and how they are pitching him? Is he a guy who just goes up there reacting or does he actually have a game plan?

"Usually, the guys who have a game plan are the ones who can change over time. If you are just reacting, then the way you are the first time we see you is probably what you are your whole career."

Since returning from the disabled list on June 6, Puig is batting an electric .323/.380/.508 with a homer. But despite finding success early in his career, Mattingly wants Puig to think long term.

The skipper wants him to use his talents, and approach, on a consistent basis, while finding a way to keep his game sustainable.

"Is the player going to get better by utilizing video tape?" Mattingly asked. "Pitchers are predictable, too. You can understand what they can do over time. But you won't understand it if you don't watch and study."