The Los Angeles Dodgers are starting to heal up, and could be adding two big bats to the big club in the near future. Outfielder Yasiel Puig began a rehab assignment Thursday after spending several weeks on the disabled list with an injured hamstring, and he was joined in the lineup by prized free agent pickup Hector Olivera.
Dodgers fans are happy to have Puig coming back soon, but they already know the wonders Puig can provide. Olivera is the $62.5 million wildcard for them, and he was impressive from the outset.
Olivera played third base and hit fifth for Double-A Tulsa, reaching base three times on a single and a pair of walks. Per SB Nation Olivera, 29, looked like a "man playing with boys," and also seemed "overeager" at the plate. His ability to get on base was a good sign however, and a positive harbinger regarding his hope to be at the MLB level in three to four weeks.
In Cuba Olivera was a very steady bat, slashing .323/.407/.504 with 96 home runs and 433 RBI in 11 seasons. He missed all of the 2014 season with blood clots in his left arm, and prior to being signed came with fears of Tommy John surgery in the future. Further tests proved Olivera merely had a sprained elbow, but the concern was great enough for Olivera to sign a contract giving Los Angeles a seventh-year option at $1 million if he needs Tommy John at any point during the deal.
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