The Dodgers are in desperate need of a spark, and on Monday at Chavez Ravine, the team will be joined by outfield prospect sensation Yasiel Puig. The team announced on Sunday that Puig was recalled from Double-A Chattanooga, and would join the team on Monday in Los Angeles.
Yasiel Puig recalled by Dodgers
Puig, 22, is expected to make his major league debut at Dodger Stadium Monday against Eric Stults and the Padres.
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The Dodgers, mired in last place in the National League West at 23-32, return home for 10-game homestand at Dodger Stadium beginning Monday night against the Padres.
Puig, 22, was signed out of Cuba in June 2012 to a whopping seven-year, $42 million major league contract. He wowed the team during spring training with 30 hits in 58 at-bats, hitting .517/.500/.828 with a team-leading four home runs. Puig nearly made the Dodgers’ opening day roster before he was optioned to the minors on Mar. 26.
More on Puig: True Blue LA
“When we came into camp, this guy wasn’t even on the radar (for this season). He’s had a great camp,” manager Don Mattingly said in March. “Obviously he’s put himself on the map as far as probably knocking on the door instead of being a couple of years away.”
With Double-A Chattanooga, Puig was hitting .313/.383/.599 with eight home runs and 13 stolen bases in 40 games.
The Dodgers rank 26th out of 30 MLB teams averaging just 3.55 runs per game, and currently have three starting position players on the disabled list in Matt Kemp, Hanley Ramirez, and A.J. Ellis. The team was in need of an outfielder to replace Kemp, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a right hamstring strain, especially with left fielder Carl Crawford dealing with a left hamstring cramp of his own.
To make room for Puig on the roster, the Dodgers optioned pitcher Matt Magill to Triple-A Albuquerque.
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