Why was it okay for Albert Pujols to use a forbidden bat?

In the opening game of the World Series, Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado used an illegal bat that had actually been used by Albert Pujols. Why did Pujols still have

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access to it? After blowing a 5-0 lead in Game 1 of the World Series to lose 6-5, the Houston Astros dropped their first game of the postseason.

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One rumour that surfaced prior to the start of Game 2 was Astros catcher Martin Maldonado using a bat that had been given to him by St. Louis Cardinals great

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and former Los Angeles Angels teammate Albert Pujols. It turns out that the bat was prohibited.

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As Maldonado entered the batter's box for his opening at-bat in Game 2, FOX Sports' Tom Verducci spoke about the subject.

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Verducci claimed that since MLB altered the bat requirements in 2010, Pujols' bat was no longer acceptable. However, that bat was legally grandfathered in if it was used

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by any player before 2010. So, even after the ban, Pujols was still permitted to utilise it. On the other side, Maldonado started his playing career in 2011.

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Pujols re-signed with the Cardinals and went on to play his final MLB season. He had a strong second half of the season, hitting 700 home runs for his career

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and aiding the team in winning the NL Central. The Phillies swept St. Louis in the Wild Card Round.

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