The Los Angeles Dodgers had their nine-game winning streak snapped Monday night and Walker Buehler failed to pitch at least six innings for the first time this season, but Albert Pujols achieved another milestone with a leadoff single that helped spark a rally.
It gave Pujols 6,000 total bases in his career, marking just the fourth player in MLB history to reach that benchmark. Pujols joined Hank Aaron, Stan Musial and Willie Mays as those to accomplish the feat in their respective careers.
Aaron, Musial and Mays of course are in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Pujols surely will join them there as well once his career winds to a close. The 41-year-old has not given any indication when that will be, and his play has been plenty productive for the Dodgers.
Pujols previously surpassed Barry Bonds to move into over fourth place on the MLB all-time total bases list, and prior to that overtook Babe Ruth for fourth place on the all-time extra-base hits.
Pujols’ presence has given the Dodgers an experienced bat off the bench and option to combat left-handed pitching, which the team has struggled with this season. The veteran has additionally infused energy in the clubhouse and served as a sounding board for teammates.
“From the moment he got over here, the guy has been nonstop energy, nonstop smiles. He loves being out there every single day, he loves working, he just loves the game of baseball and that’s starting to rub off on a lot of people,” Max Muncy said this week.
“He’s been huge for us. I don’t know if there’s enough words to describe how much of an impact he’s had.”
Pujols having ‘most fun’
For as much as the Dodgers have enjoyed Pujols as a teammate, he’s appreciated the pairing just as much. “This is the most fun I’ve had in a while,” Pujols said last month.
“I can be really intimidating sometimes because of the way I stay so focused on the game, and they see a part of me that they can come and approach me whether I’m playing in the game or not. Just come and talk baseball, life, parenting or whatever it is. I believe that’s why God has put me here, and I’m enjoying every moment. Being with this young talent, it’s just unbelievable.”
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