Dodgers News: Yasiel Puig May Join Club Over Weekend Against Padres

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig’s sudden rise to full health added another layer Friday when manager Don Mattingly said Puig may join the club over the weekend.

“He may be here this weekend,” Mattingly said. “He’s played two days in a row there [Arizona] and we’ll see how it goes.” Puig was sent to the Dodgers’ Spring Training facility on Sept. 24 to continue forward with his recovery from a hamstring strain that again forced the outfielder to the 15-day disabled list.

Updates that followed from Mattingly indicated Puig was unlikely to return in time for the National League Division Series. That was until Mattingly said Wednesday Puig rapidly turned the corner and was able to run pain-free.

The fifth-year manager didn’t elaborate on what exactly the plan is for Puig. Though, he appears to have crossed off the required tests. “It doesn’t seem like it,” Mattingly answered when asked if there were additional hurdles for Puig to clear.

“He’s been able to run the last few days. He’s played on the field two days in a row. I think he walked, singled, tried to steal a base and got fouled off twice, stole a base on 3-2, got a ground ball in right field and threw it in easily.”

Battling multiple hamstring injuries throughout the season, Puig has been limited to just 77 games. He’s batting .256/.324/.440 with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, a .331 wOBA and 112 wRC+.