Puig may start more than originally expected

LOS ANGELES — It’s hard to call the return of Yasiel Puig a success after just two games, but that didn’t stop manager Dave Roberts from saying Monday that Puig could begin to see starts against right-handers as well as left-handers.

Puig was out of the lineup Monday against D-backs righty and familiar face Zack Greinke, but the outfielder is 3-for-6 with a homer, two walks and three RBIs since returning from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Josh Reddick got the start in right field, as he did in all but one game against right-handed starters before Puig returned.

“Yes, Yasiel will play against the left-handed pitchers, but I think there will be some opportunities against some right-handers, too,” Roberts said. “For me, this matchup today, I felt good with Josh out there.”

Reddick has struggled since being acquired on Aug. 1 at the Trade Deadline along with Rich Hill, hitting .196/.253/.239 with two RBIs in 99 plate appearances. In two games, Puig has surpassed Reddick’s RBI total in his entire tenure with the Dodgers.

Of course, a veteran hitter with a proven track record breaking out of a slump would be nowhere close to unfamiliar to the Dodgers, and it might actually be in progress with Reddick. The outfielder hit his first homer for the Dodgers on Saturday and is 7-for-13 in his last four games.

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