Dodgers experiment with Yasiel Puig in center field during loss

THE EXPERIMENT: With the Dodgers trailing by five runs in what would be a 6-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Manager Don Mattingly used the game as an opportunity to see what Yasiel Puig looked like in center field. Puig drew a walk as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and remained in the game in center. “It was a good game to get him out there,” Mattingly said. The game was Puig’s first at any position since he was struck by a pitch on his left hand Saturday in St. Louis. Puig worked out in center before the game and took batting practice. By moving Puig from right field to center, it would allow Matt Kemp to remain in right, where he has looked considerably more comfortable than he did at the two other outfield positions.

AT THE PLATE: Pirates starter Francisco Liriano has only two wins this season, both against the Dodgers. Against everyone else, he is 0-7. The Dodgers’ first hit against Liriano didn’t come until the fifth inning, when Miguel Rojas doubled. Rojas’ hit was the first of only five for the team.

ON THE MOUND: Doomed by a four-run first inning, Dan Haren lost his fourth consecutive start. In five innings, he was charged with five runs, four hits and three walks. Middle relievers Jamey Wright, Paul Maholm and Chris Perez, who pitched the previous night, each pitched an inning. Wright and Perez pitched scoreless innings.

MEDICAL REPORT: Hanley Ramirez remained sidelined with a bruised left hand, but he was able to grip and twirl a bat, Mattingly said. Mattingly said he still doesn’t expect Ramirez to go on the 15-day disabled list. But asked if he thought Ramirez could play Friday in the series opener in San Francisco, Mattingly replied, “I feel better about Yasiel than I would about Hanley. It’s hard to say Hanley on Friday, when he hasn’t been able to hit.”

UP NEXT: The Dodgers have a day off Thursday. When they resume play Friday, Zack Greinke (11-6, 2.90) will face the Giants and Tim Lincecum (9-6, 3.65) at AT&T Park at 7 p.m. On the air: TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.