Albert Pujols to Miss 4-6 Weeks

Added on Jun 20, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

The news out of St. Louis isn’t good for first baseman Albert Pujols. The collision that forced Pujols from Sunday’s game against Kansas City resulted in a broken forearm that will sideline him 4 to 6 weeks. A CT scan early this morning revealed the extent of the damage. Officially, the injury has been described by team doctors as a “non-displaced fracture of his left radius.”

Yesterday, Pujols was prepared for a worst-case scenario.

“I know I’m pretty sore. Am I worried? Of course. Hopefully, everything will come out negative tomorrow. When I come out of a game, believe me, something is really wrong. Hopefully, cross our fingers and I’ll be all right.”

The injury occurred when Pujols attempted to tag the Royals’ Wilson Betemit on a play at first base. Betemit arrived as Pujols extended his arm. Pujols then collapsed in obvious pain.

The three-time MVP and nine-time All-Star has had an up and down 2011. He’s spent most of the season hitting below .270, although he had begun to turn it around in the month of June, batting .317 with eight home runs. Overall, in 73 games, he’s hitting .279 with 17 homers and 45 RBI.

Lance Berkman, who took over for Pujols on Sunday, will likely be the favorite to fill in at first base. He played the position as a minor leaguer and on and off during his years with the Astros. Berkman currently leads the Cardinals in RBI and OBP, and is tied for first in home runs.

With Jon Jay excelling in right field and at the plate, the team might be able to cope without Pujols for the short term. Jay leads the roster with a .313 average as a part-timer.

St. Louis is tied atop the National League Central with a record of 40-33. They’ve lost eight of their last eleven and host a three-game series with the Phillies beginning on Tuesday.

Source: ESPN.com