Tony Gonsolin moved to 60-day injured list to make roster room for Albert Pujols

The Dodgers officially signed Albert Pujols to a one-year contract Monday, and to make room for him on the 40-man roster the Dodgers transferred Tony Gonsolin to the 60-day injured list.

Pujols was released by the Angels last week after clearing waivers, so they are on the hook for nearly all of Pujols’ $30 million salary in the final season of his 10-year contract. The Dodgers will pay a pro-rated share of the $573,000 major league minimum salary, with comes out to $431,290 with 140 days remaining in the season.

Pujols will wear uniform No. 55 with the Dodgers, after wearing No. 5 in his previous 20-plus seasons.

“While everyone in the big leagues wants to compete every day, I understand roles do change and that is something I’ve accepted for the past couple of years,” Pujols said on Twitter. “The role that Andrew Friedman and Dave Roberts have presented to me is one that I embrace. I am excited to be part of the Dodger family and want to thank Andrew, Dave and the rest of the Dodger organization for this opportunity.

“My goal is the same as it’s always been - to help the ballclub win a championship in 2021. I’ve seen up close just how talented this team is and I look forward to contributing.”

The move of Gonsolin to the 60-day injures list changes very little as to his timeline for return. He hasn’t pitched in the majors this season, and was placed on the injured list on April 4, retroactive to April 1. Moving him to the 60-day IL just means the earliest he can be activated is May 31.

Gonsolin is expected to pitch three innings in a minor league rehab assignment this week, and will be stretched out to four innings for his next minor league start before returning to the majors. The Dodgers, who used a bullpen game on Sunday against the Marlins, will need another one on Friday in San Francisco, then at least one more bullpen game at some point between May 27-29 against the Giants at home before Gonsolin is ready.