Monday saw a flurry of roster moves on the part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, most notably the arrival of Albert Pujols to the team.
The Dodgers introduced Pujols at a press conference Monday afternoon. In some of his remarks, the future Hall of Famer said that he and the Dodgers had frank discussions about his prospective role on the team. He said he is willing to do anything it takes to bring the team another ring. Since No. 5 is already taken by Corey Seager, Pujols will wear No. 55 in his time with the Dodgers, mentioning the Bible and “double grace!”
Pujols also mentioned that he never told his old team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, that he needed to play every day, and that at the end of the day it was a business decision on the part of the team.
Talks with both Manager Dave Roberts and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, in addition to not needing to relocate his family were the major contributors into his signing with the Dodgers.
In regards to his new role off the bench, Pujols said that he will reach out to former teammate and friend David Freese about tips and insight into doing the best he can in that role. Pujols also stated that he’s not ready to think about retirement yet, and believes he “still has some gas in the tank.”
“I’m here to do whatever. Pinch hit, first base, whatever they want,” he said. In his first game as a Dodger, Pujols will be batting cleanup and playing first base.
Pujols posted this on his Twitter account just before his press conference with the Dodgers media:
In the corresponding move placing Pujols on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers moved pitcher Tony Gonsolin to the 60-day IL, retroactive to April 1. To place him on the active roster, LHP Alex Vesia was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Yoshi Tsutsugo was also activated on Monday after catcher Keibert Ruiz was optioned back to Oklahoma City.
In yet another roster move, the team reinstated lefty swing man David Price. To make room on the active roster, righty pitcher Mitch White was optioned to Oklahoma City.
Having a veteran like Pujos can help any club but especially this one that seems to lack some leadership or spark. Utley and Freese both proved their worth with timely hits and in the clubhouse.
I hope Pujos can get a few RBI’s for the Blue. Wish him a great closeout of his career. Who knows if he can still play a little perhaps we will see him next year. While I applaud the Pujos pickup I do not understand the Tsutsugo or
Well Ol Albert had a eventful debut. Got an RBI single and on the end of a game ending DP. Not bad for an old fart. I abhor the shift. Too many damn seeing eye singles for my taste. Turner is in a month long slump. He is not meeting the ball like he was. You have got to love Will Smith, The kid can hit and he is tough as they come behind the plate. Took one in the throat last night.
Gonzalez did exactly like he was attempting to do he induced two ground balls. One Lux didn’t get control of but stopped it the other off of Lux’s glove. Thought he should have gloved the 2nd one.
Neuse looks clueless at-bat.
Glad Pujos got an RBI his first game. He has to feel good about that. No matter how experienced & successful he is it feels great when you can contribute.
I am hoping Lux can hit Lefties better he was OK in the Minors.
He still walks too many hitters. He has 11 K’s and 8 walks in 13 innings. That is a terrible ratio. He got himself into a bad spot with the walk. And why in hell did he try to go outside with the infield in that god awful shift to a lefty like Rojas who just punched the ball the other way??? That is pitching backwards. No, he has not been as good as he was last year, and the ball Lux did not get cleanly, Seager would not have even touched. Plus his spike caught in the grass. Pujols contributing what was the decisive run in his first game is huge for him. No matter how many years he has played.
Of major concern to me is the fact that Dodger starters have given up 26 HR’s so far this season. Both Buehler and Bauer have surrendered 8 apiece and Kersh 6. Urias has been tagged for 4.