Los Angeles Dodgers: Albert Pujols hits walk-off infield single in DWS debut

Albert Pujols is determined to play again in 2022. Although the Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman would be 42 years old, and is not the same player he was, he is hoping that his resurgence last season will convince a team to give him a chance. To that end, Pujols is making his Dominican Winter League debut, hoping to prove that he can still be an asset.

He will certainly remember his first game with Escogido. Pujols hit a walk-off infield single to give his team a 3-2 victory.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Albert Pujols has memorable Dominican Winter League debut

It was a tough play for any third baseman. Pujols had been jammed, hitting a soft roller up the third base line. As the third baseman was playing back, he needed to charge the ball and throw on the run. That throw was wide of first into the baseline, but Pujols would have been safe even if the throw was on target.

While Pujols may not be known as a fast runner, he does possess some deceptive speed. Interestingly, he has not been caught stealing since 2015 while typically swiping a couple of bases a year. If his feet are not bothering him, he still has some life in his legs.

But that is not why Pujols is in the Dominican Republic. He is looking to show that he can still be a powerful bat in the middle of the lineup, hoping that his time in the winter leagues will show that he has something left.

As it is, he could be a respectable platoon bat. Pujols did show the ability to continue to punish left handed pitching last year, and with the designated hitter likely coming to National League next year, he could find a role going forward. A strong showing in the Dominican Winter League will only help his cause.

Albert Pujols will always remember his Dominican Winter League debut. The Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman won the game with a walk-off infield single.