Albert Pujols started a new opportunity on Monday night – but still disputes how his last one ended.
The slugging first baseman, who signed with the Dodgers last week, denied the Angels’ claims that they released him because he wanted to play every day.
“I think there’s a lot of things out there saying, ’Oh, you wanted more playing time, you wanted to play every day,’” said Pujols, who was hitting .198 when the Angels designated him for assignment on May 6. “That never came out of my mouth… My goal the last two years was never to try to be an everyday first baseman.
“I told you guys in spring training, whatever role they have for me, I’m going to go with. I understand they made that decision as an organization, a business decision, and no hard feelings. I understand that. So they had a talk with me, and that was it. Move forward, and I’m just glad to get another opportunity with another organization.”
Pujols made his Dodgers debut on Monday night and went 1-for-4 with an RBI single in a 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks. It was the Dodgers’ fifth win in six games as the defending champs fight through some early season lethargy.
After Pujols was released by the Angels, it was reported that he was “upset” with being left out of the lineup that day. However, Pujols said he was stunned by the decision, which came in the final season of a 10-year, $240 million contract.
“It shocked me, I think like everybody,” Pujols, 41, said. “But at the end of the day, no hard feelings at all. I’m here with this organization and I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m not the only player that’s probably going to go through this.”
Angels President John Carpino and general manager Perry Minasian said the Halos mutually broke up with Pujols because the slugger wanted to play every day despite his declining statistical contributions. The Angels have two players at his positions — first baseman Jared Walsh and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani — with far superior offensive numbers.
Wearing a blue Dodgers cap, Pujols directly contradicted the Angels front office’s claims.
Angels manager Joe Maddon took the high road after the provocative version of events offered by Pujols.
“I really don’t have (a response),” Maddon said before the last-place Angels beat the Indians on Monday night. “Semantics are semantics. I wish Albert nothing but the best. It’s great that he gets to go to work down the road from where he played, so there isn’t any transition for him or his family. I wasn’t actually in the room (with Pujols and Carpino). It doesn’t matter at this point. I’m not here to lament anything in the past.”
Pujols hit cleanup in his first Dodgers game against veteran lefty Madison Bumgarner, though it will not be an everyday role for him.
“I’m here to do whatever, you know,” Pujols said. “Pinch-hit, first base, whatever they want. I’m just excited to have this opportunity to wear this uniform.”
— With AP