Dodgers Call Up Prospect Yasiel Puig
Published at
Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — In need of offense and healthy players, the Los Angeles Dodgers have called up outfielder Yasiel Puig from the minor leagues.
Puig is expected to be the Dodgers everyday center fielder as long as Matt Kemp is on the disabled list. Kemp is on the shelf with a strained right hamstring.
The Dodgers will also get to see if one of their most exciting young hitters is ready to face Major League pitching. In Double-A Chattanooga this year, Puig hit .313 with eight home runs and 37 RBIs. Puig, who defected from Cuba last year, signed a $42 million deal with the Dodgers in 2012.
The Dodgers could certainly use a shot in the arm in terms of offense. The team, predicted to challenge for the NL West title, is in last place at 23-32 going into Monday. They rank 28th in the majors in runs scored, and 25th in slugging percentage.
To make room for Puig, the team has optioned pitcher Matt Magill to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio