ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols is more than just one of the best players in baseball. He’s also an incredibly rapid healer.
The St. Louis Cardinals activated their three-time NL MVP off the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, a month ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken left wrist.
Pujols was not in the lineup Tuesday night against Cincinnati. But manager Tony La Russa expected Pujols would be in the lineup today.
“If it was a game situation, he was ready,” La Russa said. “But I didn’t see one. So he’ll go (today). . . . It’s about as good a break as we could catch.”
The NL Central leaders initially believed Pujols would be out six weeks after getting hurt June 19 in a collision at first base with the Royals’ Wilson Betemit, putting his return at early August.
Fielder picks sluggers
MILWAUKEE — Brewers slugger Prince Fielder picked teammate Rickie Weeks, Los Angeles’ Matt Kemp and St. Louis’ Matt Holliday to represent the National League in Monday night’s Home Run Derby.
Footnotes.
Mets shortstop Jose Reyes missed his third straight game with a strained left hamstring.
• The Red Sox traded outfielder Mike Cameron to the Marlins, less than a week after cutting the veteran.
• Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino is going to have his injured right thumb examined by a hand specialist.
• Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will miss his second straight game because of a sore right arm muscle.
• The Padres placed pitcher Clayton Richard on the 15-day DL with a strained left shoulder.
• Pitcher Jon Lester left Boston’s game against Toronto with a left back strain.
The Associated Press
