Albert Pujols has always fought.
He fought against the best the National League had to offer, the three-time MVP being circled on the lineup card every night as one of the greatest sluggers of his era.
He fought against his body, the 100-career WAR player’s once-powerful frame widdling down as the years and innings added up.
In retirement, he fought against complacency, being active for the Angels — the club where he is still under a 10-year personal services contract.
Now, with Leones del Escogido, he’s fought for his club, helping lead an 11-4 dream start to the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana (LIDOM) season.
Tigres is certainly not short of talent, with Pujols’ squad touting MLB-caliber stars throughout its roster. Jonathan Guzman and Jean Segura have been the primary catalysts offensively, with Phillips Valdez leading the charge on the mound.
Guzman has been the biggest surprise of the season for Pujols’ squad, with the 25-year-old — who hit just .182 in 159 MiLB at-bats this season — going 9 for his first 15 in 11 games this season.
Valdez has been the most reliable starter in the early going for Tigres, with the 32-year-old right-hander adding a 1.86 ERA over 9.2 innings pitched in two starts. Victor Santos has also been terrific on the mound, Adding a 2.03 ERA over 13.1 innings pitched for Licey.
More help is on the way for Tigres with longtime MLB reliever Ryan Sherrif (3.53 career ERA in 49 career games). However, in the early going, everything seems to be going the way of Pujols’ squad.
____
Related Articles
Albert Pujols Announced As Manager of Leones del Escogido
This Date in Baseball – Albert Pujols Becomes Fourth Player In MLB History To Hit 700 Career HRs
Photo Credit: Albert Pujols of Leones del Escogido prepares to hit the ball. (Photo by Victor Calvo/Getty Images)
