Yasiel Puig’s braincramp on the bases frustrates A.J. Ellis
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is one of baseball’s most polarizing players. While his talent on the field is immense, Puig’s detractors often point to his mental errors as a major flaw in his game.
[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Baseball contest now]
The 25-year-old outfielder showed off both sides of that coin during Sunday’s game against the San Diego Padres.
With things tied up 5-5 in the top of the ninth, Puig led things off with a single against Fernando Rodney. A.J. Ellis came up looking to bunt Puig over, but Rodney threw a pitch that got away from catcher Christian Bethancourt. Though the pitch didn’t get far from Bethancourt, Puig wisely took advantage, motoring to second and beating the throw. It was the type of play Puig’s critics would have grudgingly appreciated.
That good will was quickly erased, however. Ellis was able to get a bunt down near third. Yangervis Solarte ran in to field the ball, leaving the ball totally preoccupied. It was perfect bunt for that situation.
Problem was, Puig didn’t go. He inexplicably remained at second even though third base was wide open. Ellis couldn’t help but express his frustration as he was running down the first base line.
After he was called out, Ellis put both his hands on his head in frustration.
Puig seemed to notice his mistake shortly after the play. He just stood out near second staring in disbelief. Matters were almost made worse when Puig was nearly picked off the base when the Padres realized he wasn’t fully paying attention.
Puig managed to get back to the base, but his error loomed large. He failed to score, and the game went into extras. Had Puig advanced on the bunt, it’s possible he would have scored on Carl Crawford’s sac fly during the frame. Obviously, there was no opportunity for that to happen.
Puig would make up for the gaffe eventually. In the top of the 17th, Puig hit a two-run single with the bases loaded to put the Dodgers ahead 7-5. He managed to do this after the Padres intentionally walked Joc Pederson to load the bases in order to face Puig.
The Dodgers would go on to win the contest 9-5. Puig’s big hit was a major factor, finally putting the team ahead for good.
[Elsewhere: Kevin Pillar needs a cape after laying out for another spectacular catch]
The game was just another example of Puig’s polarizing nature. Sometimes, he frustrates the hell out of his teammates with mental errors. The next moment, he’s got them jumping in the dugout cheering him on after a big hit.
(BLS H/N: FTW)
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
The StewPod: A baseball podcast by Yahoo Sports
Subscribe via iTunes or via RSS feed
– – – – – – –
Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik
