Yasiel Puig benched after watching home run turn into single
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Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was benched in Tuesday night's win over the Cincinnati Reds after watching what he thought was a home run turn into a single.
“I thought it was a home run, and then I didn't run out the ball, obviously,” Puig told reporters through an interpreter after the game. “It was [Roberts'] decision to take me out of the game. It was a decision well made, because all my teammates are out on the field working hard, and I should have run out that ball.”
Manager Dave Roberts made the decision as he emphasized “playing the game the right way.” Puig apologized to Roberts.
In Sunday's 17-inning marathon against the San Diego Padres, Puig did not attempt to advance to third base in the ninth inning as A.J. Ellis laid down a solid bunt.
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Puig, 25, is hitting .247 with five home runs and 19 RBIs on the season.
