Perhaps Albert Pujols is a machine. Defying initial projections that he would miss four to six weeks due to a hairline fracture of the distal tip of his left radius, Pujols has received medical clearance to return to the Cardinals just 16 days after suffering the injury.
Pujols has been activated from the disabled list, according to the club, however, he is not penciled into the starting lineup. Lance Berkman is slated to play first base.
Cards manager Tony La Russa said Pujols was not in the lineup "because he hasn't had a rigorous workout and I feel like he should get one." Pujols did field grounders earlier today before batting practice.
Lefthanded reliever Brian Tallet was moved to the 15-day DL with a rib-cage injury as the corresponding move to Pujols' activation. Pujols foreshadowed his early return on Monday in word and deed. Pujols also took ground balls and hit off a pitching machine Monday, implying his readiness to return. The three-time NL Most Valuable Player has been on the disabled list since June 20.
General manager John Mozeliak on Monday described the club as optimistic about Pujols’ return but cautioned, “We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.”
Pujols insisted Monday that he is able to swing without discomfort. He said he has hit off a machine throwing 89 or 90 miles per hour. La Russa has stayed abreast of Pujols’ progress. He acknowledged Monday there was no reason for Pujols to go on a rehab assignment once cleared by doctors. Pujols has declared himself pain-free: “If I felt any pain, I wouldn’t be swinging,” he said Monday.
Pujols suffered the injury in a collision June 19 with Kansas City Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit. Initial projections called for Pujols to remain in a soft cast for four weeks before resuming baseball-related activities. An August return seemed more likely than him becoming available before the All-Star break; however, Pujols has exited the disabled list after the minimum 15 days the two previous times he has been lost to injury.
Since the day after his injury Pujols has said he has felt good enough to play. Pujols is hitting .279 with 17 home runs, 45 RBIs and a .855 on-base-plus-slugging percentage this season.
STLToday.com
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