Dodgers slow down Yasiel Puig rehab after hamstring setback

LOS ANGELES -- We are back in the realm of the relative unknown regarding Yasiel Puig and his left hamstring injury. Manager Don Mattingly wasn't specific about MRI results, only saying that the All-Star outfielder has suffered a setback.

"It's kind of what we thought. He had a little bit of a setback," Mattingly said. "There aren't any timetables. We're just going to slow him down."

Puig left his second rehab game with Class-A Ranch Cucamonga on Friday night, feeling tightness in the hamstring that has sidelined him since April 24. He has played in 11 games this season for the Dodgers, and will essentially start over in his rehab, though Mattingly was hesitant to use that description.

"I don't know about starting all the way over, but it wasn't necessarily good news," Mattingly said. "They're always doing something, so you're never really shut down. I'm sure they will let it calm down a couple days, then get back on the program."

The program will include several tests and hurdles for Puig, including riding the stationary bike, running in the outfield, then running on the bases before starting another rehab assignment. It seems like that would mean Puig is at least a week away from a rehab assignment, and likely two weeks. Though again, no schedule has been set.

The reemergence of Andre Ethier has allowed the Dodgers to be conservative with Puig's return. Ethier is hitting .286/.391/.532 with four home runs, and his start in right field Tuesday night is his 14th in the last 16 games.

"Guys get caught in timetables, then they think that's the timetable they have to be ready, instead of if they're feeling anything speak up. Guys always think they can play through stuff," Mattingly said. "The only reason he was on the DL in the first place was to give him a chance to get totally healthy."