Albert pujols is happy with his role within the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels are more than pleased to have created the conditions for him to Shohei ohtani Y Jared walsh they could play without limitations to the point of getting spots on the American League roster for next week’s All-Star Game.
The move that rocked the Major Leagues two months ago has been beneficial to everyone involved, including Pujols, the central figure in this story.
“I’m happy, I feel super good about the way they’re using me,” said Pujols, who is hitting .257 with six homers and 20 RBIs in 108 appearances in two months with the Dodgers.
“It has been good chemistry, a role that was talked about and [en el] we’re all on the same page, “added the future Cooperstown Hall of Famer.
On Thursday, May 6, the Angels shocked half the world when they announced that they had placed 1B and designated hitter Pujols on assignment, just a month into the final season of the $ 240 million, 10-year contract the parties signed in December. from 2011.
Pujols, a three-time MVP with nearly 700 home runs and more than 2,000 RBIs, was hitting .198 with five home runs in 92 plate appearances when general manager Perry Minasian recommended to the Angels’ leadership, do whatever it takes. , including a painful break with one of the most respected figures in the industry, to free up the at-bats they needed to give designated hitter / pitcher Ohtani and first baseman Walsh.
On May 17, four days after being formally released by the Angels, Pujols signed as a free agent with the Dodgers for a proportion of the minimum wage. While the Angels are responsible for nearly the full $ 30 million salary this year, plus $ 10 million for 10 years of personal service after retirement as a player, the Dodgers will only have to deposit $ 430,000 into Pujols’ account.
On Wednesday against the Miami Marlins in Little Havana, Pujols began playing first base and went 2-for-1 with a run scored, before being replaced by the pinch hitter. Gavin lux in the fifth inning. Despite having a heavily loaded roster, Dave Roberts, the manager of the major league champions, has kept Pujols happy, who is going 4-for-10 with two RBIs as a pinch-hitter.
Los Angeles, which won last year’s World Series, its first since 1988, is 53-34, 1.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Los Angeles has been in control of a playoff spot (divisional or wild card) for most of the season.
“I must first thank God for giving me the opportunity to be in a historic organization like the Dodgers, not only for what they did last year, but for the success they have had in their history,” said Pujols, a 10 All-Star times during a 21-year career.
“It’s been a blessing, enjoying every night when I’m playing and when I’m not playing, cheering the team up,” said Pujols, who won two championship rings with the St. Louis Cardinals, before going to California as a free agent.
As Pujols plays his late-career role with one of the best teams in baseball, Ohtani and Walsh set the tone for the Angels’ relaunch. Ohtani, who leads both major leagues with 32 home runs and has 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 13 monticular outings, is the sensation of the game. Meanwhile, Walsh is hitting .282 with 22 homers and 64 RBIs.
Both were elected to next Tuesday’s All-Star Game at Coors Field, where Ohtani plans to hit and pitch, as well as compete in Monday’s home run festival.
Without the star center fielder Mike trout (out for a month and a half with a right calf injury) The Angels have won eight of their last 10 games to put their overall mark at 44-42, their best in a long time. At home, Anaheim has won 11 of their last 15 games.
In short, while traumatic at the time, the move to make Pujols a free agent has paid good dividends for all parties involved, including the 41-year-old historic Dominican player.
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