Yasiel Puig believes Madison Bumgarner has a problem with only young players, not veteran ones.
Puig was in San Fernando, Calif. on Monday ahead of his Cincinnati Reds’ series against the Los Angeles Angels for the groundbreaking of “Puig’s House,” a community center his Wild Horse Children’s Foundation has pledged to create, maintain and remodel at Pioneer Park. Larry Brown Sports was in attendance for the event and spoke with Puig about multiple topics, including his thoughts on Bumgarner’s recent issues with Max Muncy.
Puig and Bumgarner had plenty of run-ins while Puig was with the Dodgers. Their first incident was in May of 2014; then they had another in September that year; and they traded words two years later. The San Francisco Giants pitcher even had a barb for Puig after a home run he allowed to the outfielder earlier this season.
It was more of the same for Bumgarner after he gave up a huge home run to another Dodger when Max Muncy had a Splash Hit against him on June 9. LBS asked Puig if he saw the exchange and what he thought of it.
“Sometimes when I put on the TV I see highlights and I saw (that incident with Muncy). [Bumgarner] doesn’t like people hitting home runs off him. If you don’t want people hitting home runs off you, throw better and you won’t have problems with anybody,” Puig told Larry Brown Sports. “Like Muncy said, you don’t want me walking, go get the ball out of the ocean. He’s right. But he’s going to be like that with the young people like me and Muncy. I never see him do that with Miguel Cabrera or other veteran players.”
Puig went on to say that celebrations sometimes can’t be helped as players get caught up in the moment and excitement of a game, and that should be understood. He also said that celebrations can be mutual, and if he celebrates a big play, he won’t get mad at a pitcher for doing the same.
You can see video of the full interview below:
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