Pujols passes Mays for 5th place in career home runs

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols homered twice against the Texas Rangers Friday night to pass Willie Mays for fifth place on the career home runs list.

Pujols hit No. 661 in the fifth inning to break the tie with Mays, then connected again in his next at-bat.

The 40-year-old Pujols now trails only Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696).

Pujols had hit just four home runs this season before posting the 60th multi-HR game of his career and first since May 11 last year at Baltimore.

Rays’ OF Meadows heads to injured list

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain that will keep him sidelined into the postseason.

The injury occurred while Meadows took a swing in the opener of Thursday’s doubleheader against the Orioles. The Rays won both games to earn a berth in the AL playoffs, and they’ll need a deep run to get Meadows back in the lineup.

“We’re going to have to play really, really well to see him at any point the rest of the season,” manager Kevin Cash said.

Meadows is batting .205 with four homers and 13 RBIs.

Last year he hit .291 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs, so his bat is always welcome in the Tampa Bay lineup.

“I don’t need to talk about how important Austin is,” Cash said.

To fill the roster spot, Tampa Bay selected lefthander Sean Gilmartin from its alternate site. In order to add Gilmartin to the 40-man roster, the Rays transferred pitcher Cody Reed (left pinky irritation) to the 45-day IL, ending his season.

Although Cash and the Rays are focused on winning the American League East, the manager said he will attempt to shuffle his lineup because of the loss of Meadows.

Phillies complete trade with Brewers

The Phillies sent righthanders Juan Geraldo, Brandon Ramey and Israel Puello to the Milwaukee Brewers to complete the Aug. 31 trade for righthander David Phelps.