May 17, 2021 3 min read

Albert Pujols is grateful to be chasing another World Series ring now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet he’s also disputing the Los Angeles Angels’ version of the circumstances that led to his big move up the freeway.

The 41-year-old slugger formally joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal Monday, vowing to contribute to the defending World Series champions as a first baseman, a pinch-hitter and a veteran mentor. He’ll wear a No. 55 jersey in Dodger Blue after sporting a red No. 5 with the Cardinals and the Angels throughout his first two major league decades.

“I feel like I’ve still got some gasoline left in my tank,” Pujols said. “I’m really excited for this opportunity.”

Pujols was in the Dodgers’ lineup Monday night as their cleanup hitter and first baseman when they faced left-hander Madison Bumgarner in the opener of a four-game series with Arizona at Chavez Ravine.

The fifth-leading home run hitter in major league history said his role with the Dodgers will be “really whatever. I’m here to do whatever, you know. Pinch-hit, first base, whatever they want. I’m just excited to have this opportunity to wear this uniform.”

Pujols’ willingness to accept a situational role with the Dodgers contradicts the Angels’ public statements on the reasons the 10-time All-Star was unceremoniously cut earlier this month.

Pujols said nothing publicly when the Angels designated him for assignment, but he claimed Monday that the abrupt end to his largely unsuccessful 10-year, $240 million tenure with the Orange County club was entirely the Angels’ decision.

“It shocked me, I think like everybody,” Pujols 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.”

National League

San Francisco 6, Cincinnati 3: Logan Webb pitched six shutout innings and the San Francisco Giants backed him with three home runs, beating the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Monday night.

Wilmer Flores, Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón connected for the NL West-leading Giants.

Braves pitcher breaks hand: Atlanta Braves right-hander Huascar Ynoa suffered a broken right hand when he punched the dugout bench following a poor start at Milwaukee on Sunday and is expected to miss two months.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said Ynoa’s hand was hurting on the flight back to Atlanta, leading to the tests which revealed the fracture.

Ynoa was frustrated after giving up five runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of the 10-9 loss to the Brewers.

Ynoa (4-2, 3.02) has the lowest ERA and most wins on the Braves staff. He allowed only one earned run in his previous three starts before Sunday.

American League

Yankees’ Stanton to IL: Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday by the New York Yankees because of a left quad strain, and left-handed pitcher Zack Britton had a potential setback in his recovery from elbow surgery.

The Yankees made the move with Stanton before the opener of their four-game series in Texas. It was retroactive to Friday, the day after he last played before being held out of all three games during a weekend series in Baltimore. Right-hander Albert Abreu was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.