The Los Angeles Angels and Albert Pujols somewhat surprisingly parted ways last week when the future Hall of Famer was granted his release.
Reports suggested Pujols grew frustrated over limited playing and coveted a larger role. Upon clearing waivers and becoming a free agent, there was some though Pujols would pursue a reunion with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Though, the more likely scenario appeared to be remaining in the American League where he could serve as a designated hitter. Instead, Pujols is remaining in Southern California and agreed to a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
BREAKING: The Dodgers and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols are in agreement on a major-league deal for the remainder of the season, per source.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 15, 2021
Pujols chose to sign with the Dodgers after receiving interest from multiple teams, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com:
Pujols had a few teams express interest in his services before he signed with the Dodgers, per sources. The Cardinals were not among them.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 15, 2021
Pujols almost assuredly will take on a bench role with the Dodgers and serve as an option to occasionally spell Max Muncy at first base. The veteran also balances out the bench as a right-handed hitter.
The Dodgers just learned Edwin Rios will miss the rest of the season due to needing surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Pujols was one of the game’s most feared sluggers in baseball during an 11-year career with the Cardinals, batting .328/.420/.617 with 455 doubles, 445 home runs and 1,329 RBI. However, he was inconsistent and plagued by injuries in 10 years with the Angels.
The 41-year-old is 33 home runs away from becoming the fourth player to hit 700 in his career. He’s already one of six players with 500-plus homers and at least 3,000 total hits, joining Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez, Willie Mays, Rafael Palmeiro and Eddie Murray.
Dodgers likely to place Pollock on IL
The Dodgers will need to create room on their 40-man roster in order to make the signing of Pujols official. In terms of the active roster, AJ Pollock is expected to go on the 10-day injured list after aggravating a left hamstring strain suffered last week.
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