ST. LOUIS — Major-league batting leader Albert Pujols might be headed to reconstructive elbow surgery that could sideline him into next season.
A day after the St. Louis slugger told KSDK television he was considering having the operation, the Cardinals said it’s not clear whether surgery is needed.
Pujols has been playing with a torn ligament since 2003, but the Cardinals said management, Pujols and his representatives agree the injury “does not appear to be season-threatening nor do they have a clear indication that it will or will not require future surgery.”
Pujols, discussing the possibility of surgery with KSDK, said: “I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking really hard. I think in the long run the sooner that I get it done, the better it’s going to be for me.”
• Third baseman Troy Glaus was taken out of St. Louis’ game against the Cubs because of a strained right shoulder.
Footnotes.
White Sox outfielder Carlos Quentin underwent surgery on his right wrist and could return in time for the postseason. Meanwhile, first baseman Paul Konerko is scheduled for an MRI today for what the White Sox called a mildly sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
• The Athletics released first baseman-designated hitter Mike Sweeney, who was limited to 42 games this year because of knee injuries.
• The Indians activated slugger Travis Hafner, who spent more than three months on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder.
The Associated Press
