Yasiel Puig is not in the Dodgers’ lineup against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, one day after he was benched in the middle of an 8-2 win for not hustling out a hit in the sixth inning.
The decision to start Trayce Thompson in right field today was made before Puig was benched last night, manager Dave Roberts said.
Roberts said he believes Puig has already learned his lesson and no further discipline is necessary.
“We had a good conversation,” Roberts said. “He wants to be a better teammate. … He wants to get better.”
It’s just as notable that Thompson has now started 15 of a possible 17 games this month at all three outfield positions. More on him later. Here is the Dodgers’ full lineup against Reds right-hander Dan Straily:
Chase Utley 2B
Corey Seager SS
Justin Turner 3B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Trayce Thompson RF
Joc Pederson CF
Howie Kendrick LF
Yasmani Grandal C
Scott Kazmir P