OC Register: Albert Pujols equals record by being in Angels’ Opening Day lineup

[AngelsWin.com]

ANAHEIM — Although 41-year-old Albert Pujols certainly won’t be the Angels’ everyday first baseman this season, and he might not even play the majority of the games, Manager Joe Maddon felt he had earned the right to play the first one.

Maddon put Pujols in Thursday’s lineup at first, which made 21 consecutive Opening Day starts for Pujols. He is the third player in history to start on Opening Day in each of his first 21 seasons, joining Pete Rose and Eddie Murray.

“Transparently, part of it was the fact that the streak that Albert’s on,” Maddon said. “Furthermore, Albert had a great camp himself. Jared (Walsh) had struggled a little bit, but I do anticipate he’s going to come on.”

Pujols was 15 for 48 (.315) in spring training, while Walsh was 10 for 46 (.217).

Pujols said he’s been feeling strong and his legs feel good, which is one of the reasons he’s incorporated more of a leg kick into his swing. He had used it off and on throughout his career, but not as much in recent years.

“I feel pretty strong, you know, especially my lower half, you know better than before, so I’m able to that load that I want to have in my stance,” Pujols said.

OHTANI UPDATE

Maddon said Shohei Ohtani’s blister “is not an issue at all,” according to head athletic trainer Adam Nevala.

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Ohtani is scheduled to pitch on Sunday. In the meantime, he was in the lineup as the DH on Thursday and he was scheduled to hit again on Friday.

Maddon said he would talk to Ohtani about what he wanted to do on Saturday night. Ohtani has always been off the day before he pitches, but the Angels are relaxing those restrictions this year.

ALSO

Maddon said he believes the Angels have already passed the 85 percent threshold for players and staff members to begin the vaccination process. Once teams are 85 percent fully vaccinated, some of the COVID-19 protocols can be relaxed. …

Jose Rojas, who had worn No. 80 in spring training, switched to No. 18 for his first time on a major-league roster.

View the full article

[Dtwncbad]

Even more impressive is starting 21 consecutive seasons in the best shape of his life.  By now can you imagine just how yoked he is?

[PattyD22]

5 minutes ago, Dtwncbad said:

Even more impressive is starting 21 consecutive seasons in the best shape of his life.  By now can you imagine just how yoked he is?

And he muscled up and hit the game winning 60 foot dribbler last night.  Kudos Albert.

[Dtwncbad]

Just now, PattyD22 said:

And he muscled up and hit the game winning 60 foot dribbler last night.  Kudos Albert.

Would have been a 39 footer 21 years ago.

[Angel Oracle]

Kudos to the Halos on the vaccinations front, now about those Nationals?

[ten ocho recon scout]

3 hours ago, Dtwncbad said:

Would have been a 39 footer 21 years ago.

Lawn angle vs launch angle.