Yasiel Puig returns to Dodgers lineup vs. Rockies

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers have Yasiel Puig back in their lineup on Saturday night against the Rockies, after missing three games with tightness in his left hamstring.

Puig tried running on the field before Friday night's game but was ruled out for the series opener as a precaution.

"We thought today was a pretty good day, he ran well. But we're being cautious," manager Don Mattingly said Friday. "In different parts of the year, he's running good enough to play, but we don't want to take that chance at this point."

Puig started the year in a 2-for-17 slump, but has homered in each of his last two games. He is 3-for-5 with a home run against Rockies starter Jordan Lyles.

Even with Puig back, Andre Ethier remains in the lineup for the Dodgers, starting a fourth straight game and sixth time in the last seven games. Ethier has a five-game hitting streak, hitting .500 (7-for-14) with a home run, a triple, a double and two walks during the streak.

Carl Crawford has the night off because he is sick.

"Carl's not feeling good. Carl's been sick, kind of the stuff we've had some guys," Mattingly said. "[Scott] Van Slyke had it. Kind of like the flu, I don't know what it is."

With Zack Greinke starting for the Dodgers, the Rockies return their regular left-handers to the lineup. Carlos Gonzalez starts in right field and Justin Morneau at first base after each sat Friday night against southpaw Clayton Kershaw.

Gonzalez is 6-for-17 (.353) with two home runs, a triple and a double lifetime against Greinke, while Morneau is 9-for-45 (.200) with two doubles and a triple.