MINNEAPOLIS -- Yasiel Puig just wanted to make sure his opponents knew he was going to be safe.

As the new Indians outfielder raced around second base on a Jose Ramirez single in the top of the seventh of the Tribe’s 6-2 win Friday night, he turned around to wave to right fielder Jake Cave as he made his way to third. In the top of the ninth, Puig raised his left hand that carried his batting glove and did the gesture after he rounded second one more time after the Twins made an error on a pickoff attempt.

“I like to be like that, running the bases like crazy,” Puig said. “That’s a reason people call me the ‘Wild Horse’ because I’m running the bases excited.

"I like to wave at people like, ‘Hi, what’s up? I’m running no matter what. I’m going to make this base and you’re not going to throw me out.’ That’s the reason why I like to get excited in the field, because there’s a lot of fans coming to support the team and players and like to watch exciting moments and exciting things in the field, and I love to give back to all the fans coming to the stadium.”

Let’s be clear, the motive behind Puig’s antics is not to anger the other team. The 28-year-old outfielder said he enjoys bringing that energy to have fun with himself and his team. He mentioned that he understands how opponents could sometimes take that behavior personally, but it’s clear he’s not going to change his ways. And his manager stands behind him.

“I don’t care,” Indians skipper Terry Francona said.” As long as he’s making left [turns], he can wave at whoever he wants.”

His enthusiasm stretches far beyond a wave. The Indians traded Trevor Bauer at the Trade Deadline to acquire both Puig and Franmil Reyes in order to add some immediate pop in the middle of the batting order. And while Puig has certainly delivered thus far with his bat, it’s the infectious energy that he brings that’s caught his team’s attention, including legging out an infield single in the ninth.

“He runs to first like his pants are on fire,” Francona said. “I love that. I respect that a lot. His energy is extremely contagious.”

Puig has worn an Indians uniform for nine days, but to watch him interact with his teammates, having conversations that start in a normal speaking voice that ultimately end up with screams and laughter would lead people to believe he’s been part of the team for his entire career.

“We love it,” Indians starter Shane Bieber said. “First day in, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years. That’s the thing you love, especially in a division race like this. He comes in and brings the energy every single day, and that’s all you can ask.”

On top of his energy, the man known as the “Wild Horse” has carried a .333 batting average with two doubles, a triple and four RBIs in nine games with the Tribe. The goal with trading for Puig was to help the Indians make a run in the final two months of the season and the playoffs. After Friday’s win, the club shared first place in the American League Central for the first time since entering play on April 27.

“I feel happy with the team, happy with myself to be here with this team,” Puig said. “We play like a family together. It’s important that when we’re in Minnesota to win all the four games. Now we have two, and tomorrow we’re going for another game to be in first place. Now, we’re tied, but we’re gonna be the only one in first place.”