Editorials

VIDEO: Dodgers Puig and Kemp Struggle, Talk Improving Their Game



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Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp admit they need to improve their game. Puig has had a lot of attention this year both on and off the field. With his second season in the majors well underway, we can now look back at his rookie season and, let’s just say it didn’t get off to the same start. In the 26 games, the Dodgers have played, Puig has sat out of four games, hitting .265 with three home runs and 14 RBI’s. Last year, after playing 26 games, Puig was hitting .436 with seven home runs and 16 RBI’s. The question remains, how is Puig adjusting to pitchers? And how are pitchers adjusting to him?

According to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register, Puig is taking all the right steps to analyze the strategy pitchers use against him. Puig said, “I’ve definitely been doing a lot more studying this year. There’s a lot of good pitchers in this league and they’ve definitely figured me out as a hitter. So I have to do more studying, more preparation with my coaches.”

Zack Greinke said he would throw, “Up and in with hard stuff. Down and away with off-speed” if he were pitching to Puig. Puig’s batting average can definitely improve and his teammates have backed him up this season when he says he’s working hard to evolve as a player.

Puig isn’t the only outfielder working on getting better. Matt Kemp is finally 100 percent healthy for the first time in two years, but his batting average is .221 and he has made three errors so far this year.

According to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, Kemp has recognized his performance this year and knows he needs to improve. He said, “Honestly, I just have to get better at everything. I have to do a better job of playing defense. I have to do a better job of hitting. I have to do a better job of driving in runs.”

We hope the surplus of outfielders Mattingly has on rotation is not the cause of both Puig’s and Kemp’s performance.  Let us know what you think in the comments below and tweet us @DodgersNation.

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