When the Dodgers initially signed Albert Pujols on May 17, it almost didn’t seem real. The news dropped out of nowhere with no rumors whatsoever. Jorge Castillo, of the LA Times, broke the news that both sides were in agreement. For the Dodgers the timing could not have been more perfect. Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, AJ Pollock, and Zach McKinstry were all on the IL, and the Dodgers needed a boost in the lineup. Sheldon Neuse and DJ Peters were right-handed bats that the Dodgers had hoped would take the next step forward, but neither was able to get it going. It became clear the Dodgers needed a bat to spark the offense, so signing the bona fide future Hall of Fame legend was a match made in heaven.
At the introductory press conference for Pujols, you could read the excitement on his face about joining the Dodgers. He made it clear that he wasn’t expecting to be an everyday player, but rather fulfill a role that puts the Dodgers in a position to win. He was open to to pinch-hitting and playing first base when needed. Pujols loved what Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts discussed with him, and though he said he has no hard feelings with the Angels, it was apparent he was thankful to be out of that organization.
I gotta admit, I didn’t know much about Albert Pujols as a person until that press conference. What a down to earth dude he is & such a good hearted person. He’s going to fit in perfectly with this squad. Excited for what’s to come with 55. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/ktOozRlqJi
— |GC| (@_gc24) May 17, 2021
Pujols made his presence felt immediately for the Dodgers. He was in the starting lineup on May 17 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his second at bat, he drove in Mookie Betts off an RBI single off Madison Bumgarner to extend the Dodgers lead to 2-0 in that game. A couple games later, Albert Pujols would hit his first home run in Dodgers Blue by hitting a 2-run home run off Merrill Kelly in the 2nd inning, which gave the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. The runner on base was Will Smith, who grew up idolizing Pujols. The Dodgers would go on to win eight straight including a sweep over the San Francisco Giants. Pujols nearly hit what would have been a walk off home run in a near epic comeback against the Giants, but Mike Tauchman robbed him of that glory.
#Dodgers catcher Will Smith grew up idolizing Albert Pujols.
Now they've homered in the same game on the same team.
How can you not love baseball?
(Photo by Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/NHuoZAQJTa
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) May 21, 2021
Since joining the Dodgers, teammates have done nothing but rave about how great he’s been for the clubhouse. Zach McKinstry revealed that Pujols always has a smile on his face. Gavin Lux described Pujols as a mentor. Clayton Kershaw expressed, “I think you take for granted the experience factor that just seeing a guy like Albert Pujols in your clubhouse; it’s a great feeling. And then his track record speaks for itself, but just the attitude and personality that he’s bringing to the clubhouse every day. He seems really really excited to be here in his role, and he’s a wealth of knowledge. He’s going to help a lot of our young guys on the bench try to figure out how to do that.”
Pujols said himself that he, “has a lot left in the tank.” So far he has proven that. His numbers entering today, especially versus lefties are proving it. He is third on the team in home runs versus left-handed pitchers. He has 4 in 34 plate appearances, which only trails Max Muncy and Justin Turner. Since putting on a Dodgers uniform, Albert Pujols is hitting .406/.441/.844 with a MLB best 10 RBIs during this span and an off the charts 249 wRC+ in 34 PA against lefties. Even at his age of 41, Albert Pujols is still tied for second in all of MLB for home runs off left-handed pitchers. In 56 at bats, Pujols is hitting .268 with the Dodgers with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs. Not bad for a player still being paid by the Angels and under contract with the Dodgers for the league minimum. Overall the Dodgers are 16-7 since Albert Pujols debuted for the Dodgers.
Author: Kevin Klein
Twitter: @Klein25
photo credit: AP Imagines
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