Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a series loss to the San Francisco Giants, which resulted in them losing the top spot in the National League West Division. They will now try to recover when they continue a road trip that will bring them to Pujols' old stomping grounds — Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Pujols has appeared in St. Louis as part of a visiting team back in 2019 when he was still with the Los Angeles Angels. This time, he knows it will be even more special. This could be the last time he will appear at Busch Stadium as an active MLB player. However, Pujols seems to be more focused on helping the Dodgers collect important victories than on the fanfare that will surround him in his return to St. Louis.
Per ESPN:
The 41-year-old slugger insists “I don’t think about,” so he can avoid any potential distractions with so much fanfare.
Pujols adds:
“It was special in 2019 when I first went there and it’s going to be special when we go there tomorrow for the week,” Pujols said. “I always try to let those things play out the way they’re going to play out. I just don't like to bring distraction on myself. I just try to prepare myself for the game and the things that I have to do.”
All that being said, the Dodgers' first baseman is clearly appreciative of having an opportunity to appear in front of Cardinals fans for possibly the last time, per Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic.
“I never thought that was the last time,” Pujols said. “The thought never crossed my mind. But having another opportunity to go back to where everything started for me, it’s going to be a special moment.”
UPDATE: The Dodgers defeated the Cardinals in the first game of the series on Labor Day afternoon, 5-1. Pujols did not make a plate appearance. Max Scherzer went eight strong innings, giving up only one run while striking out 13 and walking none. Tuesday's game begins at 7:45 Eastern time. J.A. Happ will start for the Redbirds, while the Dodgers have not announced a starter, pointing to a possible bullpen-by-committee pitching approach.
The Dodgers moved to 87-51, keeping pace with the San Francisco Giants in MLB's best and most compelling division race in the National League West. The Cardinals fell to 69-67, putting them 3 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres in the race for the second National League wild card spot.
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