Yasiel Puig Injury: Updates on Dodgers Star's Status and Return

Aside from starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, no player may mean more to the Los Angeles Dodgers than outfielder Yasiel Puig. Losing him to injury is about the last thing the team needs to happen.

Continue below for updates.

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Puig Exits vs. Angels After Collision 

Thursday, April 2

The Dodgers announced that Puig left Thursday's game after colliding with Howie Kendrick on a pop fly to shallow right field. Dodgers reporter Alanna Rizzo reported after the game that Puig was hit in the neck/throat area and appears to be fine. Puig expects to be available for Friday's game, per MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez.

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Although Puig hasn't been able to replicate the form he showed after hitting the majors in 2013, his combination of skill and eccentricity makes him one of the most fun players to watch in the league.

The 24-year-old is coming off a 2014 season in which he hit .296/.382/.480 with 16 home runs and 69 RBI. According to FanGraphs, his 5.3 WAR was the highest on the team among batters.

It will be important for Puig to make a speedy recovery, as 2015 is shaping up to be a vital year for his development. His numbers dropped off a bit in the second half of last season, and he's yet to fully translate his raw ability to the field.

If he can put it all together, however, he has the potential to become an MVP-caliber player.