In Albert Pujols’ seventh season in Anaheim, he finally got a return trip to St. Louis — and it was worth the wait. Cardinals fans gave their former hero a long standing ovation and gave him the welcome he deserved in the town where he became a star. Dallas Keuchel didn’t become a star in Atlanta, but Braves fans were eagerly awaiting his Friday debut, which was a mixed bag in a 4-3 loss to Washington. The All-Star Game is right around the corner, and MLB announced finalists for starting spots. And Frankie Montas, a day after dominating the Rays, was suspended for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs.
The ovation lasted 75 seconds, and Pujols clearly appreciated it.
What a moment.
Albert Pujols returns to St. Louis for the first time 👏
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/vRmPm3Cb8B
— ESPN (@espn) June 22, 2019
In his Braves debut, Dallas Keuchel allowed three earned runs in five innings. Still a work in progress after sitting out a couple of months.
Official: It’s @kidkeuchy Day! #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/MP16S0jcHT
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 21, 2019
The All-Star finalists include the entire Cubs infield and the entire Yankees outfield. Hopefully a few other teams will win spots, too.
9 outfielders have made the final round of voting.
The group from the AL. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/eoKaDnTV8e
— MLB (@MLB) June 21, 2019
Frankie Montas gets popped for PEDs the day after shutting down the Rays. Never a good look.
So #Athletics pitcher who shut down #Rays last night, Frankie Montas, today gets suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for PED Ostarine. I know they lost late, but do they get a do-over?
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 21, 2019
The Yankees got back Aaron Judge on Friday night, which might be an especially good thing because red-hot Cameron Maybin is headed to the IL.
Cameron Maybin exited tonight’s game with a strained left calf… will get MRI #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) June 22, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Albert Pujols received an all-time ovation in his first trip back to St. Louis on Friday night | Yahoo Sports
• Keuchel labors through Atlanta debut, Nats nip Braves 4-3 | Associated Press
