Yasiel Puig made the most of his three-game suspension this week, after dropping his appeal. Puig shared on his social media accounts Wednesday that he is now an American citizen.
The 28-year-old captioned a picture of himself holding an American flag, “Thank you 🙏 God for this great opportunity to be an American citizen 👌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸.”
The Cuban-born player’s path to the United States involved no fewer than four unsuccessful attempts to flee Cuba. When Puig finally successfully made it out, and to Mexico where he was able to evade the MLB Draft, he encountered death threats, a money-related mess and a legal battle which hinged on violated immigration laws.
Puig is one of eight men suspended for a July 30 bench-clearing during a game between the Pirates and the Reds. Puig first signed a free-agent contract with the Dodgers and played six seasons in Los Angeles. He joined the Cincinnati organization before the 2019 season and was sent to the Indians in a three-team trade deal at this summer’s deadline.
In 11 games with the Cleveland Indians since being traded over, Puig is batting .357 with a home run and 6 RBIs. Wednesday is the final day of the three-game suspension.
