Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig Returns To Lineup As Planned By Mattingly

Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was in the midst of a media firestorm yesterday as he was given a planned day off after it was suggested the manager Don Mattingly sit him down for a game.

Puig made matters even worse as he arrived late to Marlins Park and received a fine as he isn’t staying with the team in their hotel, but rather with his family in Miami.

While yesterday was a scheduled day off, Puig was back in the lineup as promised according to Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com:

Puig back in the starting lineup tonight.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) August 21, 2013

Even though he wasn’t in the starting lineup, Puig made his presence known last night as he delivered the game-winning home run in the eighth inning, helping the Dodgers snap a brief two-game losing streak.

On the season, Puig is still hitting an impressive .352 with 12 home runs and 28 RBIs, but has been criticized for base running lapses and his inability to hit cut off men in the infield.

Regardless, Puig has undoubtedly been a main reason for the Dodgers season turning around and they’re a better team with him in the lineup and not sitting next to Mattingly in the dugout.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out about the Dodgers Franchise Record 46-game stretch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6FO_X08W6w