Former Dodgers Outfielder Yasiel Puig Gets Hit in Face During Massive Brawl in Venezuela

Former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig found himself caught up in the middle of a brawl in Venezuela, and things didn’t end well for him. He was struck in the face in what looked to be a pretty hard hit.

Puig has been playing for Tiburones de La Guaira of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Dating to the beginning of his major league career with the Dodgers in 2013, Puig has found himself in the mix of multiple on-field altercations.

In 2019, he was suspended three games for his role in a brawl during a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The former Dodgers outfielder has been trying to get back to the big leagues for a while now, but no offers have come through. However, earlier this offseason there were reports that some teams were looking into potentially signing him.

Puig hasn’t played in the big leagues since 2019, when he was with Cleveland. He was traded to Cleveland from the Reds and put up solid numbers.

He slashed .297/.377/.423 with an .800 OPS and 109 OPS+. But his power greatly diminished, hitting just two home runs over 49 games for Cleveland.

Judging solely by the numbers, Puig should have been back in the league by now. However, some off-the-field issues have clouded his status.

Puig was connected to an alleged sports gambling operation, pleading guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. He withdrew the charge soon after, but the legal proceeding could be scaring off major league teams from offering Puig a contract. He has bounced around different international leagues since 2021, hoping for another chance.

Puig had a deal in place to play for the Atlanta Braves in 2020, but he tested positive for COVID-19 and no deal was consummated.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!