Yasiel Puig gave former teammate Charlie Culberson a hug and a smooch after being caught stealing
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Old friendships die hard. That's the rule in baseball, too, even when a teammate goes to a future postseason rival.
Charlie Culberson and Yasiel Puig were Dodgers together for two seasons that saw them come a couple games shy of the World Series in 2016 and a win away from a championship in 2017. Although Culberson was a role player, he came up with some bighits in his brief tenure, and Puig did not forget his contributions when the infielder was dealt to the Braves in the offseason.
The Braves and Dodgers met up in Game 2 of the NLDS on Friday, and in the sixth inning, Puig reached first on a walk. He attempted to advance on a delayed steal with Cody Bellinger batting, but Kurt Suzuki threw him out at second.
Culberson was the player who received the throw, so after Puig's failed attempt, he consoled himself by giving his pal a hug and a kiss:
Javier Báez might have departed from the postseason, but Puig is keeping the mid-game hugs alive and well -- with an added bonus, too.
Just don't tell Puig's hitting coach, Turner Ward. Those smooches are usually reserved for him.