MLB News: Albert Pujols Announces Divorce After Wife Underwent Surgery

Albert Pujols made headlines recently when he agreed to a one-year deal to play for the St. Louis Cardinals, the same team where he started his MLB career.

While most anticipate it to be his swan son, the two-time World Series champion’s recent announcement somehow taints his return to St. Louis.

In a statement released through his agent, the 10-time MLB All-Star announced on Monday, April 4 that he and his wife Deidra are splitting.

The time was a bit off considering Deidra is coming off successful surgery to remove a brain tumor.

“I’ve been asked a lot of questions over the past few days regarding what’s been going on at home and sadly, after 22 years of marriage, I have made the decision to file for divorce from my wife, Deidre,” Pujols said in a public statement.

“I realize this is not the most opportune time with Opening Day approaching and other family events that have recently taken place. These situations are never easy and isn’t something that just happened overnight."

The couple have been married since 2000. At the end of the statement, Pujols stressed that despite the divorce, both are committed to raising their five children in a loving and safe environment.

“I am thankful for the five beautiful children that we brought into this world and remain committed to raising them in a loving and safe environment. I ask that you please respect our privacy and the privacy of our five children during this time,” Pujols stated.

It will be interesting how this will mar Pujol’s reportedly last run in the MLB.

He hopes to get a proper send-off, possibly winning another World Series before he calls it a career.

“They believe I can still play this game and they believe I can help this organization win a championship. And myself, I believe in that, too,” Pujols said in a previous report on IBTimes.

Last season, Pujols hit .236 with 17 homers as he split time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels.