The first off-field chink in the armor of Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Yasiel Puig has surfaced.
USA Today is reporting that Puig completely ignored former Arizona Diamondbacks star Luis Gonzalez during before the Dodgers-Diamondbacks game Monday night in Phoenix.
Gonzalez approached Puig during the Dodgers' batting practice, according to the report. Gonzalez introduced himself to the 22-year-old Cuban sensation and tried to explain how his family also had roots in Cuba.
USA Today revealed that Puig refused to make eye contact or even acknowledge Gonzalez, who played eight of his 19 Major League seasons with the Diamondbacks. He helped lead the Diamondbacks a World Series title over the New York Yankees in 2001.
Ironically, Gonzalez left Arizona and became a Dodger in 2007. He finished his career a year later in Florida and had five All-Star appearances in 19 seasons.
According to USA Today, Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire witnessed the awkward encounter and admonished Puig for his behavior.
The article said, "McGwire pointed out the man he was ignoring merely won a World Series with a hit off Mariano Rivera, and that Gonzalez' number happened to be hanging inside Chase Field."
Considering the bad blood between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks this season that included a brawl that broke Los Angeles pitcher Zack Greinke's collarbone, McGwire's lecture showed his respect for Gonzalez.
Puig, who is trying to become an All-Star this year despite just more than a month in the big leagues, has earned Diamondback manager Kirk Gibson's praise, showing the amount of respect the rookie has commanded.
USA Today reported that Gibson, also a former Dodger as a player, called Puig's hard-charging approach "refreshing," noting a similar style of play that Gibson had when he was a rookie with the Detroit Tigers.
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