The Los Angeles Dodgers released the lineup for their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night and there was one noticeable omission: Yasiel Puig. The Dodgers struggling slugger was moved down in the lineup to sixth on Monday night’s 6-4 loss, but this time he was left out of the lineup all together.
“Yasiel is always at his best when he’s patient.” Manager Don Mattingly said before Tuesday night’s game. “When he comes up to bat he just needs to be patient and get a good pitch to hit.”
Starting in Puig’s place is Pacific Coast League MVP and one of the Dodger’s top prospects, Joc Pederson. Pederson was called up on Monday and pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth last night with two outs, and two runners on. He struck out looking to end the game, but today he has another opportunity to show he can play at the Major League level.
“I’m more excited than nervous.” Pederson told ABC sports before the game when asked if he was nervous. “I think I’m prepared and prepared pretty well.”
Pederson was ranked by Baseball America as the #34 overall prospect in baseball before the season and the 22-year-old did not disappoint for Triple A Albuquerque becoming the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases since 1934. Pederson finished his Pacific Coast League season hitting .303/.435/.582 with 33 home runs and 78 RBIs.
Mattingly was asked before the game if Pederson and Puig would be competing for at bats throughout the remainder of the season, and if Pederson has a chance to make the Dodgers post season roster.
“Maybe. Today we are trying to win a game. I think Joc is good option today.”
Adding more intrigue to the potential controversy, Mattingly openly admitted that Pederson is a better center fielder, Puig’s current position with the team.
“With Clayton pitching we always try to play as much defense as we can. Everyone in the organization is in concert with Joc being the best defensive center fielder.”
Pederson and Puig played together in Double-A Chattanooga last year before Puig was called up to the Dodgers every day roster. During their time manning the outfield together, Pederson played centerfield and Puig started in right. Asked if there was going to a potential controversy during the Dodgers September pennant chase, Mattingly had this to say:
“Honestly, when you play at this level, somebody’s always coming, so you’ve got to fight ‘em all off. If you’re not doing the job, if there’s not somebody coming from the minor leagues, they’ll be looking for somebody from somewhere else. You’re at the major-league level. It’s performance-oriented. If you’re not getting the job done, they’re looking for somebody.”
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