Angels' Albert Pujols could DH rest of season with sore foot
Albert Pujols has been battling a sore foot and could DH the rest of the season for the Angels.
Pujols told reporters Saturday that the pain in his foot began last Friday in Cleveland after he tried to beat out a double play and hit the base awkwardly. The veteran slugger said he could end up starting at designated hitter the rest of the way if the pain persists, but that he wanted to be there for his team and would continue to play, as the Angels hunt for a wild card position.
His right knee was sore Saturday leading up to the Angels' game against the Rangers, and Pujols hit third and appeared at DH, though he was originally penciled in to play first. Pujols told reporters his knee was sore and that he worried he could be overcompensating for the injured foot after having an X-ray done Thursday.
“I’m not going to throw in the towel on my teammates,” Pujols said. “I’m going to play like this until the rest of the year. We’re too close in the race for me to come out of the lineup. It’s one of those aches and pains that I’m going to have to suck up like I’ve done before.”
Pujols had surgery on his right knee in December 2012, and has also had foot problems in the past.
C.J. Cron started at first base for the Angels Saturday. Los Angeles entered the game 68-66 and 2 1/2 games behind the Rangers for the final American League wild card spot.
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-Jeremy Woo
