Rookie of the year, anyone?
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It was the third multi-hit performance in four games for Puig, who finished 2-for-4 to raise his average to .438. The outfielder has three homers and nine RBIs since making his big league debut on Monday, getting his fourth curtain call in the process and an ice bath from Luis Cruz after the game. Playing with a renewed energy, the Dodgers improved to 3-1 since Puig's promotion from Double-A.
"I'm very happy that the fans are saying my name and the good thing is the team is winning right now," Puig said through a translator.
In just four games, Puig has proven his worth to the Dodgers and his teammates. He had two hits in his debut, capping a 2-1 win over the Padres with a bullet from right field to first base to double off Chris Denorfia. On Tuesday, Puig homered twice and drove in five runs to lead the Dodgers to a 9-7 victory.
"I feel like he feels he belongs here and he's just proving it right now," said Greinke, who saw Mike Trout bring a similar energy to the Angels last season. "I don't think in his mind he's worried about the pitcher being better than him. He feels he belongs."
Puig's latest heroics even drew a reaction from Matt Kemp, who is rehabbing a right hamstring strain in Arizona. After the grand slam, Kemp tweeted: "That boy is a beast!!!! #puig"