Dodgers’ Puig says his teammates are supporting him through tough times off the field

Yasiel Puig believes he has the support from his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates and the club to help him keep his focus on baseball despite challenges off the field.

Puig returned to the starting lineup in right field for Thursday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants amid news reports that smugglers who helped him defect from Cuba threatened his life.

“I’m only concentrating on the season and being the best teammate and helping my teammates,” Puig said, speaking in a Spanish interview with The Associated Press Thursday.

While Puig can’t address the details specifically because of a pending legal case, he said he will focus on baseball and on helping the defending NL West champion Dodgers keep winning.

“I have great teammates who are helping support me so much this season and to focus on the season when I get to the stadium,” Puig said. “That way I don’t start thinking about anything negative in the stadium.” The 23-year-old Puig, who was scratched from the starting lineup after arriving late for his team’s home opener April 4, began the day batting .250 with one home run and five RBIs in his second major league season.

MAKING HIS MARK: Mark Teixeira could be back in the New York Yankees’ lineup on Sunday. The first baseman walked twice, struck out and scored a run Thursday in his first extended spring training game since injuring his right leg.

Teixeira is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled Sunday, when the Yankees finish a four-game series against Tampa Bay.

“I’ll be ready Sunday,” Teixeira said. “I will be fully ready to play Sunday and will be very disappointed if I don’t.”

Teixeira played three innings of defence Thursday against Jays’ minor leaguers. He is scheduled to get five at-bats and play five innings on Friday.

Teixeira said he hurt an adductor muscle that runs alongside the hamstring trying to make a play on a foul grounder during an April 4 game against the Blue Jays.