Pujols hired as assistant, network analyst by MLB

Albert Pujols was hired Monday by Major League Baseball as a special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred.

The retired slugger will consult on issues related to his native Dominican Republic, among other areas. He also will start work today as an MLB Network analyst.

Pujols hit 703 home runs, fourth behind Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714), and his 2,218 RBIS are second to Aaron’s 2,297. Pujols hit .296 in an MLB career spanning from 2001-22 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Angels and Dodgers, and his 3,384 hits are among the top 10.

He is among several former players working for MLB. Joe Torre and CC Sabathia are special assistants, and Cal Ripken Jr. and Ken Griffey Jr. are senior advisers.

METS DROP CATCHER NIDO >> The New York Mets cut light-hitting Tomás Nido when they reinstated fellow backstop Omar Narváez from the 60-day injured list.

Nido was designated for assignment in a move that keeps catcher Francisco Álvarez in the majors. The 21-year-old rookie flourished in May and ascended to first string, taking advantage of consistent playing time while Narváez and Nido were on the IL.

Nido was activated May 25 but has made only two starts since, going 1 for 5 with two strikeouts. He was a Gold Glove finalist last season and is signed through 2024 after essentially taking over the starting job from a slumping James Mccann last year.

This season, however, Nido is batting .125 (7 for 56).

New York has seven days to trade or release him. Nido could also be claimed by another team — or accept an outright assignment to the minors with the Mets if he clears waivers.

The 31-year-old Narváez is ready to return from a strained left calf.

TONY GUTIERREZ — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Rangers catcher Jonah Heim, left, tags out the Cardinals’ Tommy Edman, who was trying to score on a Nolan Arenado double in the eighth inning of Monday’s game.