Yasiel Puig Hits 2 Home Runs in Debut for Toronto Maple Leafs Amid Legal Troubles

Yasiel Puig homered twice in his debut Sunday for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the Canadian Baseball League.

The former MLB All-Star went 2-for-2 with two home runs, four RBIs and two walks against the Kitchener Panthers at Christie Pits Park in Toronto. The Maple Leafs won 8-6.

Puig's return to baseball comes amid serious legal issues. Earlier this year, a court found him guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators. The charges relate to an illegal sports gambling operation in Southern California.

Reports say Puig placed hundreds of sports bets and ran up nearly $1 million in losses he did not repay. He awaits sentencing on May 26 and faces up to 15 years in prison, though many expect a lighter term.

The Maple Leafs signed Puig to what reports call the largest contract in CBL history. He instantly became the league's top name.

Puig, now 35, broke into MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013. He earned an All-Star selection in 2014 but faded after that. He played seven MLB seasons with the Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. His final big-league game came in 2019.

Puig has kept playing professionally since then in Mexico and South Korea.