Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig looks to set rookie home run, RBI marks
On Friday night, Yasiel Puig etched his name in the Major League Baseball record book with his fourth home run in the fifth game of his career. Only he and Mike Jacobs (2005, Mets) have accomplished that feat.
But no rookie has ever cranked five homers in his first six games. Four other players have tallied four through six games, but Saturday night Puig has a chance to break that mark when the Dodgers take on the Braves.
“There’s a freedom in his game,” Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said. “It’s fast, it’s hard and it’s pure. He’s fun to watch and it’s hard not to like that.”
Puig’s 10 RBIs are also tied for the most through a rookie’s five games. He shares that line with Danny Espinosa (2010, Nationals) and Jack Merson (1951, Pirates). The record through six games is 13 RBIs, held by Dale Alexander of the 1929 Tigers.
Atlanta starter Kris Medlen (2-6, 3.14 ERA) has allowed eight home runs this season, but just one in his last 22 innings of work. Most recently, the right-hander threw seven strong innings of one-run, seven-hit ball against the Pirates on June 3.
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