Wrist injury may keep Van Slyke out of postseason
Returning Puig may be possible replacement for outfielder
LOS ANGELES -- Outfielder Scott Van Slyke said he reinjured his right wrist, jeopardizing his availability for the postseason and possibly creating an opening for Yasiel Puig.
Van Slyke, his wrist now in a removable brace, said he had a cortisone injection in hopes of calming inflammation that first surfaced Sept. 15. He returned Sept. 20 with a home run, but said he reinjured the wrist playing first base Monday night in San Francisco when Marlon Byrd accidentally brushed his wrist running past.
Concern over Van Slyke might explain why Puig, out since Aug. 28 with a strained left hamstring, was expected at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, according to manager Don Mattingly.
Justin Ruggiano, acquired at the Trade Deadline to provide an additional right-handed bat in Puig's absence, figured to replace Puig on the postseason roster.
Now with Van Slyke questionable, a spot on the postseason roster could open for Puig to join Ruggiano as right-handed hitting outfielders.