Yasiel Puig breaks out of slump, says playing different video games helped

Entering the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game with the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday night, Yasiel Puig only had two hits in his previous 24 at-bats. But then things took a good turn: He had two hits, including a homer and three RBIs as the Dodgers thumped Oakland 10-7.

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There were a few factors that could have motivated Puig to step his game up. He’s been the subject of trade rumors with the deadline approaching, yet he doesn’t want the Dodgers to deal him. It was his bobblehead night Wednesday. And his mom was there to throw out the first pitch. Always nice to make mama proud.

Puig, however, attributed his slump-breaking performance to something else entirely: Video games. From Bill Shaikin at the Los Angeles Times:

“I just stopped playing soccer video games,” he said. “I’ve found, when I play baseball video games, I do better.”

Question here is whether Puig is being sincere or finding a savvy way to promote a product he’s involved in. “MLB 15: The Show,” the preeminent baseball video game, features a celebratory Puig on its cover. He’s appeared in commercials for the game too.

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Puig also joked after the game that the Dodgers should have more bobblehead nights for him, so he can continue to produce like this. Bobbleheads, video games, whatever — if Puig can heat up for the stretch run, the Dodgers won’t care what his motivation is. They’ll just be happy their star outfielder is playing well again.

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