MLB Weekly Digest September 26th Edition: Pujols Joins Elite Club

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The last week in MLB was about a player in the National League reaching a significant milestone, a starting pitcher in the American League signing a multi-year contract, and a young pitcher is dealing with an oblique injury.

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols Becomes Fourth Player to Hit 700 Home Runs

ALBERT PUJOLS DOES IT!!! #700!!! 🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/oDvO2myWRZ

— theScore (@theScore) September 24, 2022

St. Louis Cardinals Albert Pujols has had a storied MLB career and a couple of days ago added another chapter when he crushed two home runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The second homer carried more weight as it was the 700^th career home run for Pujols.

Mr. 700, #AlbertPujols! pic.twitter.com/ccQ4DQcXV0

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 24, 2022

He became the fourth player ever to hit 700 career home runs, joining a short list that includes Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755), and Barry Bonds (762).

Pujols, a three-time MVP, is only the second player to reach 3,000 hits and 700 home runs in a career, along with Aaron.

Albert Pujols joins Hank Aaron as the only players in MLB history with 700 Home Runs and 3,000 Hits pic.twitter.com/aanv0ObQkI

— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) September 24, 2022

By reaching the milestone, the slugger had his 18^th season with 20 or more home runs.

The only individuals to reach that mark more are Bonds (19) and Aaron (20).

Pujols has previously said the 2022 MLB season would be his final season, and it is one he will not forget.

He has compiled a .265 batting average and .863 OPS in 102 games with 35 runs scored, 13 doubles, 21 home runs, and 58 RBIs.

Pujols is bound for Cooperstown as he has a legendary resume, and it has been great watching his entire career.

HE DID IT!!!

Albert Pujols is the 4th player in Major League history to hit 700 Home Runs! pic.twitter.com/U86Q8BvLdB

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 24, 2022

Seattle Mariners Sign Starting Pitcher Luis Castillo to Five-Year Extension

The Seattle Mariners have signed starting pitcher Luis Castillo to a five-year contract extension with player and club options, per a team announcement.

La Piedra is staying in Seattle!

We have agreed to a 5-year contract extension with two-time All-Star Luis Castillo, beginning in 2023 and running through 2027 and with both player and club options for 2028. #SeaUsRise

🔗 https://t.co/eficYjYyDN pic.twitter.com/4ndfR2MpyT

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 24, 2022

The deal is worth $108 million, and a vesting option in the sixth year can increase the value of the contract to $133 million.

The deal also includes an interesting note that if from 2025-27 he undergoes UCL repair surgery on his right elbow that keeps him out for more than 130 days, the Mariners will receive a $5 million option, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

An additional note on Luis Castillo's deal: If from 2025-27 he undergoes UCL repair surgery on his right elbow that keeps him out for 130+ days, the Mariners will receive a $5 million option on the 2028 season, sources tell ESPN. Seen as downside protection against future injury.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 24, 2022

The Mariners acquired Castillo at the MLB trade deadline to bolster their rotation, and the deal has been great for them.

Castillo, in nine starts with the Mariners, has posted a 2.83 ERA in 54 innings pitched with 64 strikeouts, 13 walks issued, five home runs allowed, a 132 ERA+, 2.89 FIP, and a 1.09 WHIP.

The Mariners are trying to end a lengthy playoff drought and have the third Wild Card spot in the American League.

Castillo has played a crucial role in the Mariners’ surge during the second half of the season, and the extension is a fair deal for both sides.

Atlanta Braves Place Starting Pitcher Spencer Strider on Injured List with Oblique Injury

The Atlanta Braves have placed starting pitcher Spencer Strider on the injured list, backdated to Sept. 21, with a strained left oblique muscle, per a team announcement.

The #Braves today reinstated INF Ehire Adrianza from the 10-day injured list, recalled RHP Alan Rangel to Atlanta, placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list, backdated to Sept. 21, with a strained left oblique muscle, & optioned INF Rylan Bannon to Triple-A Gwinnett.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 24, 2022

Strider has had a phenomenal rookie campaign in the Braves’ starting rotation.

The talented right-handed pitcher has posted a 2.67 ERA in 131 2/3 innings pitched (20 starts) with 202 strikeouts, 45 walks allowed, seven home runs yielded, a 155 ERA+, 1.83 FIP, and a 0.99 WHIP.

The regular season is almost over, and hopefully, the oblique injury to Strider will improve before the playoffs begin.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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