By Jon Weisman
On the day TMZ rumored that Yasiel Puig was getting the world’s greatest helicopter, the Dodger outfielder’s chopper concerns were much more down to earth. Like so many of us have, Puig went through the rite of passage of having his wisdom teeth removed after going to the emergency dental care center on Tuesday.
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Puig’s jaw remained swollen today. It’s hoped he’ll return to baseball activity Friday.
Rise and shine. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/UZCJZUD5qo
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 25, 2016
Meanwhile, sink your pearly whites into these morsels…
- Vin Scully picks up the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Sports Council tonight. Peter O’Malley will present the award, and the two are scheduled to engage in a 10-minute conversation on stage at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
- In batting practice today, Joc Pederson wasn’t lifting his front leg as he swung, according to this video from J.P. Hoornstra of the Daily News. Full story appears here.
- Hoornstra also breaks down some of the bureaucratic details needed to make Vin Scully Avenue actually appear in the here and now.
- Non-roster invitee Brandon Beachy is 100 percent healthy, he told Ron Cervenka of Think Blue L.A. “I think this is my year,” Beachy said. “I truly believe that.”
- Chase Utley reacted to this morning’s news about sliding into second base, according to Gurnick. “I imagine the rule probably is a little more clear and specific about what is allowed and not allowed,” Utley said. “It’s been all I’ve known for a while, so I imagine there will be a little part of adjustment, not only for infielders but baserunners and umpires. It’s like the plate rule and batter’s box rule; it takes awhile to get comfortable.”
- In its 8 p.m. season premiere tonight, “Backstage: Dodgers” focuses on the arrival of Dodger pitchers and catchers at Camelback Ranch arrive to meet their new coaching staff and teammates and begin official workouts, with particular attention to Kenta Maeda, as well as many others.
David Young (@DavidYoungTBLA)
Very punny Jon.