Don Mattingly: Yasiel Puig's emotions may be contributing to slump
Yasiel Puig is hitting only .218 in August, and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly believes his emotional style is contributing to his struggles.
"The season is long, and it wears you down," Mattingly said of Puig's style, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com's Mark Saxon. "It's part of learning to regulate yourself here, as far as rest or anything else. We've seen Dee Gordon and how much more consistent his approach is day in and day out now, staying at a certain level. I think Yasiel's really emotional, and it's hard to be really emotional and play 162 [games]."
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Mattingly kept Puig out of the starting lineup for Friday's loss in San Diego, but he struck out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. Puig was also held out of last Saturday's game against the Mets.
The 23-year-old hit .202 last September, but rebounded to hit .333 with four RBIs in 10 postseason games.
Puig has only two home runs since May 28 and Mattingly believes he is frustrated by his lack of power. Mattingly then compared Puig's preparation to two Hall of Famers, Rickey Henderson and Dave Winfield.
"I've ... seen some guys that are in the Hall of Fame that got to the park late, got themselves ready to play and go, and do that every day," Mattingly said. "I don't think there's one way to do it."
The Dodgers (76-59) have won six of nine entering Saturday night's game in San Diego.
"Obviously, we're going to be better if he's rolling," Mattingly said of Puig. "We can't deny that."
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- Chris Mascaro
