Pujols to DH in 22nd Opening Day start, reunion with Cards

Albert Pujols will DH in the opener. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols to DH in 22nd Opening Day start, reunion with Cardinals

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/4/22

The Albert Pujols farewell tour is officially underway, and it will kick off in perfect fashion on Thursday with Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol confirming the slugger will be the designated hitter in his 22nd consecutive Opening Day start and his return as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Albert Pujols will be at DH for opening day, Marmol says. 22nd consecutive start for him on opening day. #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) April 4, 2022

It's sure to be an emotional day for Pujols, who signed a $2.5 million contract to return to St. Louis for his swan song. The 42-year-old veteran is, however, trying not to dwell too much on that as he preps for the regular season.

"I don't want to set expectations because I like to be surprised, so I'm just going to enjoy it," Pujols said, via ESPN. "I'm sure it will be emotional for me, and the fans, too. But my focus is on trying to get in the reps I need to get myself ready for this season."

Pujols' 22nd consecutive Opening Day start ties him for second-most starts with Hank Aaron and Carl Yastrzemski, per ESPN's Sarah Langs. Pete Rose holds the record for most consecutive starts.

2022 will be the 22nd time Albert Pujols starts Opening Day, tying Carl Yastrzemski and Henry Aaron for 2nd-most Opening Day starts since 1900, behind only Pete Rose (23)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 4, 2022

The three-time NL MVP isn't the only Cardinals player making his final Opening Day appearance. Longtime catcher Yadier Molina previously announced 2022 will be his final season, while pitcher Adam Wainwright continues to mull over retiring as well.

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