MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers' Don Mattingly Benches Outfielder Yasiel Puig Midway Through Game Against Cubs

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly benched his star rookie Yasiel Puig in the fifth inning of their 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Puig, who is batting .346, replaced the phenom with career utility-man Skip Schumaker because he gave the team "the best chance to win" according to Mattingly, and not injury-related.

In the first inning, Puig failed to slide into second base and breaking up the double-play after Carl Crawford hit a grounder, that was followed up with a home run by the next batter, Hanley Ramirez - hitting a solo home run as opposed to pushing in more runs.

In the third inning, Puig slammed his bat in frustration after striking out, strolling slowly back to right field after the inning, still stewing on the strikeout.

"All those things could be true and maybe they all could possibly lead to what went on today, but really, more than anything, it always gets back, to me, to Skip gave us a better chance," said Mattingly, after the game. "I love these guys. I love all my players and I see the good in all of them, and it's my responsibility, I feel like, to give us the best chance to win and make decisions based on what's best for the whole team."

Mattingly met with his young outfielder after the game to clear the air, with Puig feeling good about his meeting with his manager.

"He explained what every ballplayer has to do on the field, not only me but every ballplayer," said Puig. "We have to give 100 percent on the field, even if we're tired or if we're playing in games like today. We've got to give 100 percent to help the team. If I'm in the lineup Friday I'll give my best effort and if not I'll wait until I can help."

This is not the first time Mattingly has had to discipline Puig. Mattingly fined Puig for being late as well as benched the Cuban phenom. Other Dodger players have complained that Puig continues making the same youth mistakes - such as not hitting the cutoff man or running the base pads recklessly - without concern to learn from his mental errors.

"There are a lot of veterans on the team, and we know there are going to be some growing pains," said veteran pitcher Ricky Nolasco. "As long as he learns from them, that's the most important thing because he's going to help the team a ton more than he's going to do things like that. He knows what he did, and he'll come back on Friday and start playing."