How Albert Pujols regained his old form to reach 700 home runs, and what it means for Cardinals in October

Albert Pujols became the fourth member of MLB's 700-homer club on Friday night. He signed a one-year deal in the spring to finish his career where it began. The 42-old struggled in April, May and June, but he's found his form in August. PuJols has batted .306/.372/.694 with 14 home runs in 137 games. The introduction of the designated hitter and the Cardinals' lead in National League Central has helped Pu jols' cause.

Albert Pujols has been a success this year because of his in-zone contact rate of 89 percent and his 91.2-mph average exit velocity. Yandy Díaz and Vinnie Pasquantino are the only two players ahead of him in in the in zone contact rates.

Albert Pujols has hit 700 home runs this season. PuJols' performance has increased with his exit velocity. He's become more prone to hitting the ball in the air and to left field. His pull rate is within two percentage points of Joey Gallo.

Albert Pujols has 10 regular season games and 10 postseason games left. PuJols' resurgence gives Cardinals hope that he could positively impact the postseason. Cardinals are dealing with a compromised lineup and outfield. Dylan Carlson came off the injured list and Tyler O'Neill is on it because of a strained hamstring. Lars Nootbar has been promoted to the Cardinals' starting line-up.