Albert Pujols was lifted in the 9th inning of last night’s NLDS opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, prompting many to wonder what his availability would be Sunday.
Following the game, Pujols and manager Tony La Russa confirmed that the slugger was dealing with discomfort in his left foot. La Russa told reporters that Pujols’ heel was ‘barking’. Pujols tied the discomfort back to the final regular season series when he rolled his ankle in Houston.
Both player and manager expect Pujols to suit up for Sunday night’s game, saying that the removal was merely a precautionary measure. The skipper made the move because he and others noticed Pujols laboring a bit throughout the game’s first eight frames.
Pujols came up in the 9th and, following an Allen Craig walk, singled to center. The Cardinals immediately removed Pujols for pinch runner Gerald Laird. St. Louis went on to score three runs in the inning, and La Russa admitted that he would have been kicking himself if Pujols’ spot in the lineup came up again.
On the night, Pujols went 1-3 with a walk and run scored. Pujols came in to score in the first on Lance Berkman’s three run shot. With first base open, Pujols was walked on four pitches before Berkman did his damage.
The Cardinals and Phillies resume their division series tonight at 8:30 p.m.
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