The Padres began the second round of interviews for their managerial opening on Tuesday by hosting Albert Pujols for several hours.

It is not known how many other candidates remain, though the Padres have narrowed the search to what they are considering the finalists for the job vacated when Mike Shildt retired earlier this month .

The second round of interviews are being conducted in person after candidates and team officials spoke over Zoom last week.

The Padres also interviewed bench coach Brian Esposito and pitching coach Ruben Niebla in the first round of interviews. It is not known who else has interviewed, as the Padres have prioritized secrecy in the search.

Pujols was part of MLB Network’s pregame coverage for Game 3 of the World Series on Monday and had been scheduled to be

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