Dodgers News: Mattingly Says Puig Is ‘Growing Up Before Our Eyes’
Puig, along with Dee Gordon, have combined to keep the offense afloat at the top of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup. Don Mattingly has been very happy with his right fielder and continued his praise.
According to JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News, Mattingly is content with the 23-year-old’s maturity:
He had an incredible night,” Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. “He seems to be growing up before our eyes.”
While Puig burst onto the scene last season and helped lead the Dodgers from last place to National League West champions, he came into his second season with plenty of expectations and a big chance to fall to the pressure. He started a bit slow, but has turned it around lately and leads the team in walks and RBIs. His patience at the plate has allowed him to lower his strikeout rate and increase his numbers across the board.
Puig had a tough spring and an even tougher start to the season off the field. A team meeting was held early in the year where the 23-year-old asked his teammates to help his development. He was then benched for the Dodgers’ home opener after he was late to the field. Since then, Puig has been nothing but a positive for the team and is drawing early All-Star consideration. His maturation should continue as the season draws along and will be a key to how far the Dodgers can go.
If Puig can continue his pace, he will continue to elevate his name into stardom.
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