As the Dodgers step into Game-3 of the best-of-five National League Division Series against the exceedingly hated San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Monday evening, there’s one thing you can be sure of seeing: 41-year-old Albert Pujols covering first base.

“Albert’s gonna get the start tomorrow,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters during his Zoom presser on Sunday afternoon. “It’s more of the mindset of give us the best chance to get a lead, beat the starter, and we can pivot out of some things, but I think that’s kind of the mindset, my mindset.”

With 31-year-old first Dodgers baseman Max Muncy on the injury list due to an elbow injury he suffered in a collision at first base with 31-year-old Milwaukee Brewers infielder Jace Peterson on October 3, the Dodgers lost their home run leader (36) and their RBI leader (94) as they continue their quest to repeat as World Series Champions.

Although it is unlikely that the Midland, Texas native will play in the NL Championship Series or the World Series (should the Dodgers advance), the always-optimistic Roberts has yet to completely rule out Muncy’s return at some point this postseason.

Pujols has mainly been used as a late-innings pinch hitter for the Dodgers but will have a different role for Game-3 of the 2021 Division Series. It will be the 21-year MLB veteran’s first start in a playoff game since Game-3 of the 2014 American League Division Series while a member of the Angels of Anaheim. Pujols will also be making Dodgers franchise history, becoming the oldest Dodger player to start a postseason game.

“He’s one of the greatest hitters that ever lived,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said of Pujols during his Sunday afternoon media session.

Pitching for the Giants on Monday will be former Dodgers and now Giants left-handed threat Alex Wood. Pujols has a regular-season career batting average of .294 with 13 home runs and 34 RBIs in 146 plate appearances against lefties. As such, you have to ask yourself one very big question:

Who’s the real threat, Albert Pujols or Alex Wood?

Let’s play ball!

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