GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig finally is getting to work with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Two weeks after signing a record seven-year, $42 million contract with the Dodgers, the 21-year-old slugger worked out at Los Angeles’ spring training complex at Camelback Ranch on Thursday. Puig defected from Cuba in early June after several failed attempts.
He’s excited the ordeal is over and that it’s time to play baseball.
The 6-foot-3, 250 pound Puig was considered the fastest player in Cuba and the top prospect in the country’s premier league. He batted .330 with 17 home runs, 47 RBIs and 78 runs scored in 327 at-bats with the Cienfuegos Elefantes in the 2010-11 season.
Despite the large salary, the Dodgers are not in any hurry to bring Puig to the majors. He will begin his pro career in the Arizona Rookie League.
