ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols could be back in the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup as early as tonight, beating the initial timetable for his return from a broken left wrist by a month.
After taking indoor batting practice and fielding grounders outside Monday, Pujols said there was no pain and added that he felt great. He’s scheduled to be examined by team physician Dr. George Paletta this morning.
“I can’t wait to get back on the field,” Pujols said. “Hopefully, it can be tomorrow. If it’s not, whenever the time comes will be the right time to play.”
Today is the first day Pujols is eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list. He broke the wrist in a collision at first base trying to make a tag with his glove hand of the Royals’ Wilson Betemit on June 19.
Nationals top pick Harper promoted.
Bryce Harper’s impressive stats earned the teenager a Fourth of July promotion, moving on to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators of the Eastern League as part of the Washington Nationals’ measured approach with last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick.
The 18-year-old outfielder has been a hitting sensation at Single-A Hagerstown, ranking among league leaders with a .318 average along with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.
But the Nationals are sticking to their plan not to have Harper make his big- league debut this year. General manager Mike Rizzo said Harper will spend the rest of the season in Double-A and then play in the Arizona Fall League. Rizzo said he also wants Harper to play in Triple-A, which means the youngster almost certainly won’t be on the Nationals’ opening day roster next year.
Footnotes.
Cleveland Indians starter Fausto Carmona is undergoing more medical tests on the right thigh muscle he injured clumsily running to first base Saturday in Cincinnati when he tripped and fell hard over the base while trying to beat out a bunt in the third inning.
The awkward tumble and injury led to the Indians placing him on the 15-day DL.
• Catcher Mike Napoli was activated from the DL by the Rangers, who optioned catcher Taylor Teagarden to Triple-A Round Rock.
• Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis left Monday’s game against the Blue Jays in the fourth inning after getting hit by a pitch in the upper back.
It was the 77th time he has been hit in his career, extending the club record.
