ALBERT PUJOLS

The New York Mets have hired Billy Eppler as their general manager, giving him a four-year contract.

The New York Mets are close to completing a deal to hire Billy Eppler as general manager, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

Eddie Rosario's hot bat led the Atlanta Braves to a World Series matchup with the Houston Astros and earned him the NL Championship Series MVP award.

ALCS Astros Red Sox Baseball Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi throws against the Houston Astros during the ninth inning in Game 4 of baseball's American League Championship Series Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, in Boston. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson) (Winslow Townson)A look at what's happening around the majors today:___BACK ON THE HILLAstros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line. Pujols is a two-time World Series champion with St. Louis and a career .323 hitter in 85 postseason games. The Red Sox tallied 21 runs on 22 hits over Games 2 and 3, including seven homers. Soler, who is vaccinated, was pulled from the lineup for Game 4 of the NL Division Series against Milwaukee last week.

Astros rookie Luis García will start against the Red Sox in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series with a trip to the World Series on the line.

Chris Taylor hit three homers and drove in six runs to help the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Atlanta 11-2, cutting the Braves' lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

NLCS Braves Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Chris Taylor watches his two-run home run in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of baseball's National League Championship Series Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers got to Fried with four consecutive hits in the second. Pollock hit a tying homer and Taylor drove the first pitch he saw to left field, putting the Dodgers in front for good, 3-2. Starting at third base in place of injured Justin Turner, Taylor became the second Dodgers player with a three-homer game in the postseason. Atlanta's Eddie Rosario, who homered twice in his second four-hit game of the NLCS in Game 4, went 2 for 4 with a strikeout.

Taylor homers: Chris Taylor celebrates after his second-inning home run in Game 5 of the NLCS. Taylor hit three homers to help the Dodgers stay alive in the series. (Jae C. Hong/Associated Press )LOS ANGELES — Chris Taylor flexed his “Mr. The Dodgers were facing elimination against the Braves, who were looking to clinch their first World Series berth since 1999. After Albert Pujols singled, Taylor connected for a two-run shot into the Dodgers bullpen to give Los Angeles a 3-2 lead.

NLCS Dodgers Braves Baseball Atlanta Braves' Austin Riley runs past Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Albert Pujols (55) after hitting a home run during the fourth inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Championship Series Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Atlanta. Blake Treinen struck out Freddie Freeman to open the ninth before giving up Ozzie Albies' bloop single to center field. The Dodgers rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win last year's series in seven games before also winning the World Series. Eddie Rosario led off with a single, stole second, moved to third on Albies' groundout and scored on Knebel's wild pitch to Riley. The Dodgers pulled even in the second on AJ Pollock's two-out double and Taylor's single to left field.

Austin Riley homered and drove in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Atlanta Braves a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series.

Frigid wind gusts roared in from center field well before sundown and continued through the late innings Monday night. “It’s just part of the game, Mother Nature,” said Los Angeles slugger Albert Pujols, who had two hits. The Dodgers were at home, but they were out of their element — and they played accordingly in a loss that sent the defending World Series champions to the brink of elimination.

NLDS Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants' Evan Longoria hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers routed the Giants 9-2 to win Game 2, but mustered just five hits back at home. Their final 15 batters were retired, including in the ninth when Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side. Their first hit came off the bat of 41-year-old Albert Pujols, whose bloop single to right led off the third in his 75th career postseason game. It was his first multi-hit postseason game since his three-homer performance in Game 3 of the 2011 World Series for St. Louis.

Evan Longoria homered off Max Scherzer in the fifth inning and the San Francisco Giants edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 on a blustery night to take a 2-1 lead in their NL Division Series.

Every year, the day after the regular season can be dicey for managers whose teams didn’t do so well.

Trea Turner hit a grand slam and solo home run as the Los Angeles Dodgers extended the NL West race for at least another day, rallying past the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 after starter Clayton Kershaw got hurt.

Corey Seager hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning, when the Los Angeles Dodgers went deep four times to rally past the San Diego Padres 11-9.

New York took the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night to move three games ahead of the Blue Jays for the top AL wild card. Cole (16-8, 3.08) will try to strengthen the Yanks’ grip on a postseason spot while also solidifying his Cy Young Award candidacy. If not, he’d be available on regular rest for a potential Game 163 on Monday or for the AL wild-card game Tuesday. The Mariners are also still in the AL West chase, but Houston can clinch with either a victory over Tampa Bay or a loss by Seattle. THUMBS DOWNThe Giants will close out their pursuit of an NL West title without slugger Brandon Belt, who went on the injured list Tuesday with a broken left thumb.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

Cole could wind up pitching again Sunday against the AL East-champion Rays on short rest if it’s critical to the Yankees’ postseason chances. If not, he’d be available on regular rest for a potential Game 163 on Monday or for the AL wild-card game Tuesday. First, he’ll oppose Toronto’s Jose Berrios, who struck out eight and pitched two-run ball over 6 2/3 innings against the Yankees on Sept. 9. Boston, which started Tuesday a game behind New York, will continue a three-game series at last-place Baltimore. Longtime New York Yankees announcer Suzyn Waldman was the first during games on The Baseball Network in 1994-95.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole makes what might be his final start of the regular season in a critical showdown against Toronto.

Albert Pujols went on the Los Angeles Dodgers' COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, when Cody Bellinger was activated from the IL after missing eight games with a broken left rib. Pujols received his second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and “just didn't feel good,” manager Dave Roberts said. Roberts said Pujols will be re-evaluated Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched a postseason berth by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-4 for their fifth straight win.

Dodgers Cardinals Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols tips his tap to cheering fans as he steps up to bat during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson)ST. LOUIS — (AP) — Albert Pujols rewarded an adoring crowd by hitting a home run in his return to Busch Stadium, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers toward a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. St. Louis has lost five of six. A star slugger who led the Cardinals to a pair of World Series championships, the 41-year-old Pujols made his second appearance at Busch Stadium after playing for St. Louis from 2001-2011. Tyler O’Neill had three hits for St. Louis, which came into play chasing San Diego for the second NL wild-card spot.

Albert Pujols rewarded an adoring crowd by hitting a home run in his return to Busch Stadium, sending the Los Angeles Dodgers toward a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dodgers Giants Baseball San Francisco Giants' Steven Duggar hits a two-run triple against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. Brandon Crawford had an RBI double and Darin Ruf singled home a run in the second as San Francisco beat Walker Buehler (13-3) for the first time. San Francisco (87-50) now holds a one-game division lead and owns any tiebreakers with the defending World Series champions (86-51) after winning the season series 10-9. And here’s how close these clubs played in 2021: The Dodgers outscored the Giants head-to-head 80-78. The Giants called up OF Duggar and RHP Camilo Doval from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned LHP Sammy Long to Sacramento.

Steven Duggar hit a tiebreaking two-run triple after being called up earlier in the day, Brandon Belt homered, and the San Francisco Giants wrapped up their key weekend series against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers with a 6-4 win to take the NL West lead.

Mets Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols reacts at the plate after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) (Alex Gallardo)A look at what's happening around the majors on Monday:___Albert Pujols is sure to get a big ovation at Busch Stadium when the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger returns to face the Cardinals. Pujols insists he'll try to focus on the series between the playoff contenders that begins Monday, rather than the fanfare. Still, the trip is plenty meaningful, even if he went back to Busch in 2019 with the Angels. Alexy was acquired by the Rangers in July 2017 in the trade that sent pitcher Yu Darvish to the Dodgers.

Albert Pujols is sure to get a big ovation at Busch Stadium when the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger returns to face the Cardinals.

Dodgers Giants Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Corey Seager, back, celebrates with Albert Pujols (55) after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021. Buster Posey was 3 for 4 with an RBI double for San Francisco, which lost for the fifth time in seven games. After both runners advanced on a double steal, Corey Seager’s sacrifice fly scored Betts, and Turner scored on a double by A.J. Turner also scored on a balk in the top of the sixth, extending the Dodgers' lead to 4-1. He’s unbeaten in 12 career games (10 starts) against San Francisco (7-0, 1.83).

Trea Turner and Corey Seager homered, Julio Urías won his seventh straight decision, and the Los Angeles Dodgers moved into a tie for first place with San Francisco atop the NL West Division with a 6-1 victory over the Giants.

Angels Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols throws his bat after hitting a two-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021. Trea Turner, making his second start as the leadoff batter for the Dodgers since being acquired with Max Scherzer in a trade with Washington, scored twice. It was the third pinch-hit home run of Pujols’ career, the 14th home run of the season — nine in a Dodgers uniform — and 676th in his storied career. The Dodgers scored twice before Detmers (0-2), who made his second career start, had recorded an out. Dodgers: RHP Max Scherzer (9-4, 2.75) will start Tuesday in Philadelphia, his second start with the Dodgers since being traded from Washington.

Albert Pujols hit his first home run against the Los Angeles Angels since they released him in May, sending Walker Buehler and the Dodgers to an 8-2 win.

Albert Pujols doubled home three runs to cap a five-run second inning, Mookie Betts homered in his return from the injured list and the Los Angeles Dodgers hammered the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-0 on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers waited 32 years to win the World Series again.

Justin Turner and Mookie Betts hit grand slams, Albert Pujols and AJ Pollock each homered twice and the Los Angeles Dodgers matched a franchise record by connecting eight times in all, routing the Arizona Diamondbacks 22-1.

Shohei Ohtani became the sixth player to reach the upper deck of T-Mobile Park with a majestic blast for his 33rd homer, but Mitch Haniger’s two-out grand slam in the eighth inning lifted the Seattle Mariners over the Los Angeles Angels 7-3.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 32nd homer and broke the single-season major league record for homers by a Japanese player during the Los Angeles Angels’ 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Mookie Betts hit a go-ahead single during a nine-run in the seventh inning after Washington ace Max Scherzer departed, and the Los Angeles Dodgers surged past the Nationals 10-5 for their seventh straight win.

Zach Davies and three Cubs relievers combined for the seventh no-hitter in the majors this year — matching the most in a season since 1900 — as Chicago blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0.

The Chicago Cubs are working on a combined no-hitter through eight innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Trent Grisham drew a go-ahead, bases-loaded walk with one out in the eighth and the San Diego Padres hit three solo homers off Trevor Bauer and beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 for their first three-game sweep of the NL West rivals in eight seasons.

Wander Franco, a 20-year-old infielder considered the best prospect in the minor leagues, homered for the Tampa Bay Rays in his major league debut, connecting for a three-run drive against Boston.

Dodgers Diamondbacks Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols (55) celebrates with Justin Turner after hitting a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning during a baseball game, Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Phoenix. Kenley Jansen pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save in 20 chances as Los Angeles won its sixth in a row. Arizona is approaching the longest losing streak of the wild card era, 19 games by the Kansas City Royals in 2005. Arizona is on the longest losing streak in team history and has lost 30 of 32 overall and 40 of 45. Los Angeles played in front of a crowd of 31,661 that featured many loud Dodgers fans.

Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer and passed Mel Ott for 14th on the career runs list, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended the Arizona Diamondbacks’ losing streak to 17 games with a 9-8 victory.

Kevin Gausman pitched six shutout innings and Mauricio Dubón hit one of two homers off Clayton Kershaw, helping the San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-4.

Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey follows through on his three-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday, May 28, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Marcio Jose Sanchez)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Giants left fielder Mike Tauchman reached over the wall to rob Albert Pujols of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning and San Francisco broke through in the 10th to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 in a thriller Friday night. Dodgers pinch-hitter Austin Barnes hit a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth to make it 5-all. Buster Posey hit a three-run homer in the eighth that gave the Giants a 5-2 lead. In the end, the Giants wound up with their first win over their NL West rivals in five tries this season.

Giants left fielder Mike Tauchman remarkably reached over the wall to rob Albert Pujols of a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning and San Francisco broke through in the 10th to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 in a thriller.

Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and Aledmys Díaz homered, and the Houston Astros stopped a four-game slide by topping Trevor Bauer and the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-2.

Angels Pujols Baseball FILE - St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, with his son A.J. After winning a World Series in Oakland, La Russa guided the Cardinals to two World Series championships, three pennants and nine postseason appearances from 1996-2011. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, infielder Matt Carpenter and pitcher Adam Wainwright were members of the last St. Louis team that played for La Russa. Current St. Louis manager Mike Shildt is close to La Russa. La Russa sent coach Shelley Duncan to meet Shildt for the pregame lineup exchange at home plate.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa wound up a winner in his first game against the team that ensured his Hall of Fame induction as Chicago beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 behind Lance Lynn’s arm and Andrew Vaughn’s bat.

“It’s definitely a different series,” La Russa said Monday night before the teams started a three-game set. La Russa was with the Cardinals from 1996-2011, reaching the playoffs nine times. Current Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, infielder Matt Carpenter and pitcher Adam Wainwright were members of the last St. Louis team that played for La Russa. La Russa is not just facing a handful of players he once guided to the game’s greatest heights. “Everybody in our big league staff knew he was special,” La Russa said.

The birds-on-the-bat uniforms, the players in the other dugout, the opposing manager, it all looked familiar to Tony La Russa.

Diamondbacks Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols, right, hits a two-run home run as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Stephen Vogt watches during the second inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. Smith sent the first pitch from Merrill Kelly (2-5) into the lower left-field seats leading off the seventh, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. Pujols hit an 0-1 pitch from Kelly to right field in the second, with Josh Reddick jumping to the top of the wall in an attempt to make the catch. Smith, who singled leading off, scored and Pujols was greeted by high-fives from his teammates in the dugout as the Dodgers led 2-0. The sellout crowd of 16,105 cheered when Reddick struck out in the fourth and again leading off the ninth.

Will Smith hit a tiebreaking, solo home run in the seventh inning, Albert Pujols slugged a two-run shot, his first for the Dodgers, and Los Angeles defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2.

Diamondbacks Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols hits a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday, May 20, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer, his first for the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night. Will Smith, who singled leading off, scored and Pujols was greeted by high-fives from his teammates in the dugout as the Dodgers led 2-0. It was Pujols’ 668th career home run, most among active players and fifth all-time, and followed 445 he hit for the St. Louis Cardinals and 222 for the Los Angeles Angels. In his first game that night, Pujols produced a run-scoring single in his second at-bat.

Off to a solid start in Dodger blue, 10-time All-Star Albert Pujols crushes an opposite-field homer to give LA an early lead over Arizona.

Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer, his first for the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Diamondbacks Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers' Albert Pujols bats during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday, May 17, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Albert Pujols delivered an RBI single in his Dodgers debut, and Walker Buehler pitched seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball in Los Angeles' 3-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. Pujols got his 3,254th hit and his 2,113th RBI — the second-most in major league history since it became an official stat. Gavin Lux added an RBI single in the eighth. Eduardo Escobar had an RBI single in the eighth for Arizona, which opened a four-game series at Chavez Ravine with its fifth loss in six games.

Albert Pujols delivered an RBI single in his Dodgers debut, and Walker Buehler pitched seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball in Los Angeles’ 3-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 13th home run and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the slumping Cleveland Indians 7-4 after star outfielder Mike Trout was injured early.

5 with the Cardinals and the Angels throughout his first two major league decades. Wearing a blue Dodgers cap, Pujols directly contradicted the Angels front office's claims. Their recent lineups have featured more prospects and borderline major league players than the stars expected to lead one of the majors' most successful teams. And the right-handed-hitting Pujols conceivably could help the Dodgers to hit left-handed pitching, an area in which their lineup is below the major league average. The Dodgers have been successful in recent seasons in getting contributions from several major league elder statesmen near the close of their careers, including Chase Utley and David Freese.

Angels Mariners Baseball Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols leans on his bat in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Albert Pujols has signed a major league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, moving 30 miles north to extend his remarkable career after leaving the Los Angeles Angels. The 41-year-old Pujols formalized his one-year deal Monday with the defending World Series champions after agreeing to make the move last weekend. The fifth-leading home run hitter in major league history likely will be in uniform during the Dodgers' home series with Arizona, which begins Monday night. Their recent lineups have featured more prospects and borderline major league players than the stars expected to lead one of the majors' most successful teams.

Albert Pujols has signed a major league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

World Series MVP Corey Seager will miss at least a few weeks for the Los Angeles Dodgers after breaking a bone in his right hand.

Angels Astros Baseball Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols watches his two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Houston. The oldest player in the majors batted .198 this season with five homers and 12 RBIs for the Angels. The Dodgers, however, have not hit well against left-handed pitching and hope the righty-swinging Pujols can provide some pop. HEATING UPCleveland ace Shane Bieber tries to extend his record strikeout streak when he faces highly touted rookie Jarred Kelenic and the Mariners. Boston has won three in a row overall, Los Angeles has dropped four straight.

Albert Pujols didn’t have to travel far to find a new opportunity.

Angels Pujols Baseball FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Houston, in this Thursday, April 22, 2021, file photo. Pujols has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, abruptly ending the 41-year-old superstar slugger's decade with his second major league team. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (David J. Phillip)LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal says the Los Angeles Dodgers are signing veteran first baseman Albert Pujols to a major league deal. The Los Angeles Times first reported the agreement. The 41-year-old Pujols left the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month after nearly 10 seasons with the Dodgers' Orange County rivals.

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Los Angeles Dodgers are signing veteran first baseman Albert Pujols to a major league deal.

Pujols was batting .198 with five home runs in 24 games and is fifth all-time with 667 career homers.

Angels Pujols Baseball FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Houston, in this Thursday, April 22, 2021, file photo. Pujols has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, abruptly ending the 41-year-old superstar slugger's decade with his second major league team. That same year, Justin Verlander was the American League MVP, and Miguel Cabrera won his first of three straight batting titles — the latter two would be accompanied by MVP honors of his own. Pujols was designated for assignment Thursday by the Los Angeles Angels, Cabrera is hitting well under .200 for Detroit, and Verlander hasn't pitched at all this year following Tommy John surgery. TRIVIA TIMEPujols was the National League MVP in 2005, 2008 and 2009.

A decade ago, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander were on top of the baseball world.

Star players rarely go out gracefully, but the future Hall of Famer's departure from Anaheim was especially uncomfortable.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa nixed the idea of a potential reunion with Albert Pujols, whom he managed for 11 seasons with the Cardinals.

“I broke down a little bit,” Trout said Friday in his first public comments on the decision. While Trout grew into arguably the greatest player of the decade, he always had Pujols at his side for on-field support and off-field advice. But Trout is confident he and Pujols both put in the work necessary to succeed. “Everything you can accomplish on a baseball field, he’s done,” Trout said. But he's going to need a bit longer to get over the departure of Pujols.

The 41-year-old superstar was cut Thursday by the Los Angeles Angels, abruptly ending a decade-long stint with his second major league club. Pujols, batting .198 this season, is determined to play first base regularly for another team after he clears waivers, Angels manager Joe Maddon said. Pujols is fifth in major league history with 667 career homers and 13th with 3,253 hits. The Rockies also agreed to pay St. Louis roughly $51 million of the $199 million remaining on Arenado’s contract at the time. It’s a deal that has many Rockies fans still seeing red heading into the three-game series in St. Louis.

Mike Zunino homered, Brett Phillips had two hits during a seven-run eighth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied for an 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The 41-year-old superstar was cut Thursday by the Los Angeles Angels, abruptly ending a decade-long stint with his second major league club. Pujols, batting .198 this season, is determined to play first base regularly for another team after he clears waivers, Angels manager Joe Maddon said. Pujols is fifth in major league history with 667 career homers and 13th with 3,253 hits. The Rockies also agreed to pay St. Louis roughly $51 million of the $199 million remaining on Arenado’s contract at the time. It’s a deal that has many Rockies fans still seeing red heading into the three-game series in St. Louis.

Albert Pujols wants to hook on with a new team and play first base.

Pujols, who is batting .198 this season, is determined to play first base regularly for another team after he clears waivers, Angels manager Joe Maddon said. Pujols is fifth in major league history with 667 career homers and 13th with 3,253 hits. After a decent start to the season, Pujols had been in a 7-for-43 slump since April 20, hitting three homers in that stretch. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez and Pujols are the only players in major league history with 3,000 hits and 600 homers. He is fifth in doubles (669), total bases (5,955) and extra-base hits (1,352) in major league annals.

Albert Pujols didn't want to stay with the Angels if he wasn't playing, but now that he's about to be a free agent, will another team sign him?

Angels Mariners Baseball Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols walks to the dugout after he was called out on strikes during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren)ANAHEIM, Calif. — (AP) — Albert Pujols was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, abruptly ending the 41-year-old superstar slugger's decade with his second major league team. Pujols is fifth in major league history with 667 career homers, and the first baseman is 13th in major league history with 3,253 hits. “The Angels organization proudly signed Albert Pujols in 2011, and are honored that he has worn an Angels jersey for nearly half of his Hall of Fame career," Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. Pujols is second in major league history with 2,112 RBIs since they became an official statistic, trailing only Hank Aaron.

The Angels plan to release Albert Pujols hardly a month into the final year of his contract. Pujols was designated for assignment on Thursday.

Albert Pujols has been cut by the Los Angeles Angels, abruptly ending the 41-year-old superstar slugger’s decade with his second major league team.

Willy Adames and Manuel Margot homered, Mike Brosseau had a two-run single and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a seven-game California road trip with a 7-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani had a start like none since Babe Ruth 100 years earlier.

Shohei Ohtani’s tiebreaking solo home run in the eighth inning helped the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros to snap a four-game skid.

Kent Emanuel worked 8 2/3 innings in relief in his major league debut, saving Houston’s bullpen after Jake Odorizzi left early with an injury, and the Astros routed the Los Angeles Angels 16-2.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images(CNN) - Chris Duncan, a former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder who helped the team win the 2006 World Series, has died from brain cancer, the team said. "The Cardinals are deeply saddened by the passing of Chris Duncan and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Amy, the entire Duncan family, and his many friends," Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement. "My thoughts are w/ the entire Duncan family. Los Angeles Angels player Albert Pujols -- a Cardinals veteran -- tweeted he and Duncan had "some great times as teammates." "He was a dear friend and a strong competitor on and off the field," Pujols wrote.