Pujols Returns A Month Early

Added on Jul 06, 2011 by Scott in

MLB

He’s baaaaack! Seventeen days after breaking his left wrist in a scary collision, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has been removed from the 15-day disabled list and will be return to the startling lineup tonight. He was expected to miss at least an additional three to four weeks rehabbing the injury, but baseball’s best hitter is no ordinary player.

The three-time NL MVP could’ve waited until after the All-Star break to rejoin the team, but his quick-healing powers cut the recovery period significantly. While fans and media might be pleasantly shocked to hear the news, Pujols was confident two weeks would be enough time to rehab.

“Does it surprise you?” the star first baseman asked. “It doesn’t surprise me. A lot of people praying for me and I believe all the prayers are being answered.”

Once the Cardinals doctors cleared Pujols, manager Tony La Russa put him through a rigorous pregame workout on Tuesday. He could’ve been available to pinch-hit last night, but La Russa elected to rest him one more day before reinserting him into the lineup.

The Cardinals struggled a bit in Pujols’ absence, going 6-7 and scoring only 51 runs. However, they are still clinging to first place in the NL Central, leading the surging Pirates by 1.5 games and the Brewers by 2 games.

On the season, Pujols is hitting .279 with 17 home runs and 43 RBI in 73 starts. He suffered through a less than spectacular April, batting a disappointing .257, but began to show signs of finding his swing prior to breaking his wrist. In 17 June games, he posted a .317 average and blasted eight homers.

Lance Berkman took the bulk of the work at first base. He smacked six home runs since taking over for Pujols, but also saw his average dip below .300 for the first time in 2011. His 23 roundtrippers leads the National League and his 62 RBI ranks fourth.

Source: ESPN.com