Albert Pujols’ return to St. Louis became even better with a home run in the second game of the Angels’ trip to face the Cardinals. Speaking of important home runs, the Mets’ Pete Alonso tied the team record for home runs in a rookie season — and we’re not even at the All-Star break. Elsewhere, teams continue to play musical chairs with their pitchers: The A’s put closer Blake Treinen on the injured list, the Braves sent down struggling Mike Foltynewicz and the Twins are signing former Angels and Indians closer Cody Allen, hoping to solve his problems.
Cardinals fans got the best of both worlds Saturday: Their beloved Albert Pujols hit a home run, but the Cardinals still won the game, beating the Angels 4-2.
Only Albert Pujols could get a curtain call from Cardinals fans after hitting a home run against St. Louishttps://t.co/dnkK9NXD6L
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) June 23, 2019
Pete Alonso also broke the National League record for most homers before the All-Star break, though the Brewers’ Christian Yelich is ahead of him this season.
26 for Pete Alonso💥
He ties the Mets rookie record for HRs and it’s not even All-Star break
(Via @Mets)pic.twitter.com/yo5dQPa8pP
— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) June 22, 2019
Liam Hendriks will take over as the A’s closer while Treinen is out.
Plug and play: With closer Blake Treinen out, A’s turn the job over to Liam Hendriks: @VicTafur https://t.co/reuAZ1C2bg
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticSF) June 23, 2019
If Minnesota can figure out what was wrong with Cody Allen in Anaheim, perhaps the Twins have found a closer for the stretch run.
Twins To Sign Cody Allen https://t.co/lmb1ScTEGR pic.twitter.com/ZC9sbd2hn3
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 22, 2019
Mike Foltynewicz was the Braves ace in 2018. Not so much this year.
Last year, Kyle Freeland was 4th in the Cy Young voting, and Mike Foltynewicz was 8th, but also selected for the All-Star Game. Today, both are in AAA. Life comes at you pretty fast. pic.twitter.com/IN9rYl7VqF
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) June 23, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Pujols curtain call HR for Angels vs hometown Cards in loss | Associated Press
• Alonso hits record 26th HR, Mets rout Cubs 10-2 | Associated Press
• A’s put closer Treinen on IL with shoulder strain | ESPN.com
