Carl Crawford, Yasiel Puig out of Dodgers’ starting lineup Saturday

Dodgers rookie right fielder Yasiel Puig is out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against Colorado because of an injury to his left hip, his first missed start since being promoted to the major leagues, and left fielder Carl Crawford will not start for the second consecutive game because of lower back stiffness.

After a 3-0 loss to the Rockies on Friday, Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said Puig was considered day to day. Mattingly said he hoped to use Puig off the bench as a pinch-hitter Saturday. Puig is hitting .392 with eight home runs and 19 runs batted in.

“He still has tightness in that area, we’ll see how he is tomorrow,” Mattingly said.

Mattingly spoke Friday of the need to communicate better with Puig about his physical status and whether he would be well enough to play a complete game.

“It just takes an understanding,” Mattingly said. “You can’t say ‘I’m OK’ and then go two innings and come out. That’s what puts us in a bind. ... He’s better off pinch-hitting late and using him for an inning.”

Mattingly also said Crawford, who didn’t play Friday and pinch-hit Thursday, should be available to come off the bench Saturday. Crawford, who is hitting .274 with five home runs and 13 RBIs, said the pain in his lower back had subsided since Friday.

“It’s just one of those things you never really know,” Crawford said. “I might have to take a step back sometimes. I still might have to get used to that.”

Crawford had an MRI exam Saturday morning, but Mattingly said the results were inconclusive.