Dodgers activate Albert Pujols and Yoshi Tsutsugo
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated infielders Albert Pujols and Yoshi Tsutsugo and optioned left-handed pitcher Alex Vesia and catcher Keibert Ruiz.
Pujols, 41, was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels on May 6 after slashing .198/.250/.372 with five homers and 12 RBI in 24 games for the Angels. The three-time National League Most Valuable Player is in his 21st season in the Major Leagues and has amassed 667 homers and 2,112 RBI in 2,886 career games. His 667 homers are the most by any active player and rank fifth all-time, trailing Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Alex Rodriguez (696).
Tsutsugo, 29, appeared in 26 games for the Rays this season, batting .167 (13-for-78) with four doubles and five RBI. In his Major League career, he has played in 77 games, batting .187 (44-for-235) with nine doubles, eight homers and 29 RBI. Prior to coming to the United States, he was a five-time All-Star (2015-19) in the Nippon Professional Baseball League and was a three-time Central League Best of Nine Award recipient (2015-17). In 10 seasons in the NPB, he hit a combined .285 (977-for-3426) with 205 homers and 613 RBI.
Vesia, 25, has appeared in three games for the Dodgers, allowing three runs on one hit in 4.0 innings this season. The Northern California native was acquired from the Marlins along with minor leaguer Kyle Hurt in exchange for Dylan Floro. The southpaw made five appearances for the Marlins in 2020, allowing nine runs in 4.1 innings with five strikeouts. In 52 career minor league games, he has posted a 1.62 ERA (18 ER/100.0IP) and 138 strikeouts.
Ruiz, 22, struck out in his lone plate appearance yesterday after being recalled prior to the game. He has appeared in six games for the Dodgers this season, batting .143 (1-for-7) with one homer and one RBI. The Valencia, Venezuela native has been with the Dodgers since signing on July 20, 2014 as an international free agent. In 387 minor league games in the Dodger organization, he is a .299 (430-for-1439) hitter with 29 homers and 199 RBI.