Los Angeles Dodgers: Albert Pujols has some life left after all

It was difficult to see how Albert Pujols fit onto the Los Angeles Dodgers. While they did need help against left handed pitching, Pujols did not appear to have much left in the tank. He had not been an above average bat since 2016, and his struggles with the Angels made retirement far more likely than any type of resurgence.

But someone forgot to tell that to the Dodgers and Pujols. Since heading up the highway, he has turned the clock back a couple of years. Some of the thunder has returned to the bat, and he is looking re-energized.

Albert Pujols showing life with Los Angeles Dodgers

It has been a small sample size, but the Dodgers have to be encouraged with the results thus far. Pujols has a .237/.275/.526 batting line in his 40 plate appearances, hitting three homers and two doubles. There is some concern, as he has drawn just one walk and struck out seven times, but those are mitigated by his returning power.

Perhaps it is the change of scenery. Perhaps it is the chance to play for another ring, to be a part of what is expected to be another playoff team. Maybe it is a desire to prove everyone wrong, to show that The Machine has not broken down. Or maybe it is a combination of all of those reasons, but regardless of why, Pujols has found himself once more.

And this is really all that the Dodgers need from him. Pujols is a part time player at this stage of his career, someone that can still hit left handed pitching with a bit of pop. If he continues to do that in Dodger Blue, he will be well worth the cost.

At this point, there is no reason to expect otherwise. The overall contact may not be there any more, and Pujols may have to sell out for power, but he is showing that he can still be a dangerous bat. It is far more than anyone would have expected when he was signed in the middle of May.

Albert Pujols is showing signs of life with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Maybe his final chapter has not been written after all.