Albert Pujols has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels, the group announced Thursday.
Pujols is slashing .198/ / .250/.372 in 92 plate appearances this season, with five home runs and 12 RBIs. For his career, the 10-time All-Star has slashed .298/.376/.545 with 667 home runs and 2,112 RBIs.
Pujols, 41, is fifth in major league history in career homers and second behind Hank Aaron in RBIs. He also is the oldest active participant in the majors.
“The Angels Organization proudly signed Albert Pujols in 2011, and are honored that he has worn an Angels jersey for almost half his Hall-of-Fame Career,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Albert’s historical accomplishments, both on and off the field, serve as an inspiration to athletes everywhere, along with his actions specify exactly what it means to become a true Superstar. Considering his Rookie of the Year Season in 2001, Albert and his wife Deidre have generously given their time and funds to countless charities throughout the world. We are thankful to the entire Pujols Family.”
When a participant is designated for mission, a group has seven days to trade the player or put him outright waivers. If the participant goes unclaimed on waivers, he then could be released.
The Angels are covered in the 2 places Pujols played for the Angels — first base and designated hitter — together with Jared Walsh and Shohei Ohtani, respectively.
Pujols’ accomplishments with Los Angeles have been mostly statistical, including the 500th and 600th homers and the 3,000th hit of his career. He had been at the Opening Day lineup for the 21st consecutive season, linking Pete Rose and Eddie Murray as the only major leaguers to reach that landmark.
Pujols’ 10-year, $240 million contract with an Angels expires after this year, and he is earning $30 million in wages this year. He said in February that he had not determined whether to keep on playing after this season.
Pujols batted .328 using 445 homers while winning three NL MVP awards in 11 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, but he’s been a .256 hitter with 222 homers over nine-plus seasons in Anaheim.
