The Los Angeles Angels shocked the MLB world this week by releasing veteran Albert Pujols. In the final year of his deal, there weren’t many indications that the team would cut him loose. Especially this early in the season.
Tensions started one day before the release of Pujols when the front office benched him. Manager Joe Maddon had him penciled into the lineup before the brass reportedly had him pulled and out on the bench. Pujols was frustrated given that he had performed well against Ryan Yarborough, the pitcher they were set to face.
The next day, the team announced they were releasing Pujols. At 41 years old, Pujols was on the final year of a deal that paid out $253 million to steal him away from the Cardinals. Unfortunately, he never really lived up to that massive deal in Anaheim.
All of that news and more, this week in MLB! Check back weekly with GMS Sports for the most up-to-date information on your favorite sports.