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St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols made a really bad decision

By Kevin Henry

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 07: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals watches from the dugout steps during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Busch Stadium on April 7, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 07: Albert Pujols #5 of the St. Louis Cardinals watches from the dugout steps during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Busch Stadium on April 7, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Scott Kane/Getty Images) /
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There is little question that Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals is a future Hall of Famer. However, on his way to Cooperstown, a moment that happened on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers will certainly be left off the highlight reel.

A decision by Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals had baseball fans shaking their heads in dismay on Thursday

With the St. Louis Cardinals meeting their National League Central Division rival in the Milwaukee Brewers on the road for Milwaukee’s home opener, Albert Pujols was once again in the lineup as the Cardinals looked to get the early advantage. Pujols continued his hot hitting to start the season by knocking a one-out single in the second, then advancing to second on a throwing error by Milwaukee second baseman Kolten Wong.

With Pujols in scoring position, Paul DeJong stepped to the plate to see if he could put the Cardinals on the board. However, Pujols decided he would do something that took everyone (except Milwaukee pitcher Brandon Woodruff) by surprise. Never known for his blazing speed (his career-high in stolen bases is 16, set in 2005 and 2009, quite some time ago), Pujols decided to try to steal third base.

The attempt was … not successful.

With Pujols being thrown out at third base, the St. Louis inning went downhill quickly. DeJong struck out and the frame was over.

That, of course, is one of the few on-field mistakes Pujols has made since returning to the Cardinals and announcing this would be his final season. Entering Thursday’s game, Pujols was 3-for-9 at the plate, which included a solo home run in front of the Cardinals faithful that was part of consecutive home runs (following Nolan Arenado’s shot to left field) against the Kansas City Royals.

Next. 6 realistic milestones for Pujols in 2022. dark

Could that be the last stolen base attempt of the historic career of Pujols? He stole two bases last season between his time with the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers, so don’t be surprised if he tries to add another one to his 116 career swipes before the season ends. The attempt, however, may not be trying to steal third.

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