Pujols to make 22nd opening day start
Albert Pujols will be in the starting lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he begins his final big league season Thursday in what should be an emotional return to Busch Stadium.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol announced Monday that Pujols, who signed a $2.5 million contract to return to the club where he became a star, will be the designated hitter for his 22nd straight opening day start. That matches Hank Aaron and Carl Yastrzemski for second-most behind only Pete Rose, who made 23 straight.
“I don’t want to set expectations because I like to be surprised, so I’m just going to enjoy it,” Pujols said.
Later Monday, the 10-time AllStar issued a statement confirming that he had filed for divorce from his wife, Deidre, after 22 years of marriage. Deidre Pujols underwent surgery last week to remove a brain tumor discovered in October.
Tigers acquire Meadows in trade with Rays.
LAKELAND, FLA. » The Detroit Tigers acquired outfielder Austin Meadows in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Detroit sent infielder Isaac Paredes and a competitive balance round B pick in the 2022 amateur draft to Tampa Bay for Meadows, who hit .234 with 27 homers and a career-high 106 RBIS last season.
Bader agrees to 2-year deal.
JUPITER, FLA. » Gold Glove-winning center fielder Harrison Bader and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $10.4 million, twoyear contract and avoided salary arbitration.
Bader gets a $1 million signing bonus as part of the deal and salaries of $4.7 million in each of the next two seasons.
Yankees purchase Mckay from Rays for $1. TAMPA, FLA. » The New York Yankees acquired right-hander David Mckay from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday for $1. The 27-year-old had a 6.08 ERA and no record over the 2019 and 2020 seasons with Seattle and Detroit.
Robinson’s 42 in Dodger blue for all uniforms on April 15.
NEW YORK » All major league players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 in Dodger blue for the first time on April 15, the 75th anniversary of his breaking the major league color barrier.