Puig feels better, returns as pinch-hitter

MIAMI -- Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig -- who missed the past two games with a torn callus on his left palm -- didn't start on Friday in the series opener at Marlins Park, but he did pinch-hit in the eighth inning and stayed in to finish the 7-1 Los Angeles win.

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Prior to the contest, Puig said the injury felt better, while manager Don Mattingly said that the outfielder would be available as a pinch-hitter if batting practice went well. Apparently it did, as Puig pinch-hit for pitcher Brett Anderson in the eighth and grounded out to third. He then played the final two innings in right field.

"We're still being a little careful," Mattingly said. "We knew he was probably only going to get one at-bat. We were kind of halfway staying away from the at-bat. ... We'll see what happens tomorrow."

The appearance marked Puig's first since Tuesday against the Cubs. He sustained the hand injury in his first at-bat on Monday in Chicago, but played the rest of that contest, as well as the entire game on Tuesday. He was then held out of Wednesday and Thursday's games -- both Dodgers victories.

On the season, Puig is batting .308 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 28 games.