Albert Pujols injures hamstring, Angels not anticipating DL stint
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols could miss this weekend’s series against the San Francisco Giants after injuring his left hamstring, but manager Mike Scioscia says he is not anticipating putting Pujols on the disabled list.
[daily_cut.mlb]
Pujols was injured during the sixth inning of Los Angeles’ 6–3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday after he blooped a single to centerfield. Team trainers helped him off the field after he clutched the back of his left leg running to first base.
Pujols isn’t expected to be in the lineup for the series finale against Oakland on Thursday.
"It's weird," Pujols said to MLB.com. "I don't have that much history on the hamstring."
“There’s definitely some soreness in there, but he didn’t feel a pop—it’s more like a cramp,” Scioscia said. “We’re definitely going to err on the side of caution, so we took him out of the game. We’ll see how it sets up in a day or two, but right now, we’re optimistic he won’t be out too long.”
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Reigning American League MVP Mike Trout is expected to move down to the third spot in the batting order until Pujols returns to the lineup.
Pujols is batting .208 with three homers and nine RBI this season. He hasn’t homered in the past nine games as Los Angeles continues to struggle to find offense.
The Angels (10-11) rank 21th in the major leagues in runs scored, 24th in OPS and bat only .226 as a team.
- Scooby Axson
