Pujols pulls oblique, faces lengthy layoff
Albert Pujols strained his right oblique muscle while chasing a foul popup Saturday and left the Cardinals’ game against the visiting Chicago Cubs after two innings.
Pujols, who leads the major leagues with 25 home runs and 65 RBIs, pulled up and grabbed his right side on Aramis Ramirez’ foul ball with one out in the second. He finished the inning at first base after consulting with a team trainer and St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, but was replaced in the third.
A team spokesman said Pujols would be re-examined today.
“Obviously, we have significant concerns about the severity,” team physician Dr. George Paletta said. “This injury can put you out for weeks.”
Paletta said Pujols could be out for as long as six weeks.
“If you told me right now he’d be out two weeks, that’s a lot better than the rest of the year,” manager Tony La Russa said. “I just don’t think after talking to Dr. Paletta that two weeks from now, Albert will be ready to go.”
John Rodriguez moved into the third slot, playing left field, and Hector Luna moved from left field to first base.
Pujols has struck out in four of his last seven at-bats after fanning in the first against Glendon Rusch. Before Friday, he had struck out only 16 times in 177 at-bats.
Royals alter rotation
The Kansas City Royals shifted their rotation, moving struggling right-hander Denny Bautista to the bullpen and announcing left-hander Mark Redman will start today against the Mariners.
The Royals also recalled third baseman Mark Teahen from Triple-A Omaha and optioned infielder Andres Blanco to Omaha.
Redman (0-4) hasn’t pitched since May 19 against St. Louis when he gave up six runs in four innings. He was placed on the bereavement list on May 24 and reinstated a week later. Redman was expected to start on Monday in Seattle, but manager Buddy Bell decided Bautista’s inconsistency warranted the move. Right-hander Mike Wood will start Monday.
Wood’s start pushed back
The Chicago Cubs pushed back Kerry Wood’s next start, scheduled for today, for two days due to stiffness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder.
Greg Maddux will work the finale of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals instead, working on regular rest due to a day off. Carlos Zambrano also will move up a day, pitching on Monday at Houston, with Wood slotted for Tuesday against the Astros.
Cubs reliever Scott Williamson appeared headed for the 15-day DL with tendinitis in his right elbow.
Clearing the bases
Jim Thome was out of the White Sox’s starting lineup for a second straight game with a strained left groin and could be sidelined until Tuesday. … The Orioles recalled outfielder Ed Rogers from Triple-A Ottawa to replace right fielder Jay Gibbons, who was placed on the 15-day DL with hip and knee injuries. … Phillies starter Randy Wolf expects to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment Thursday with Class-A Clearwater (Fla.). … Yankees reliever Octavio Dotel is expected to join Class-A Tampa Thursday for extended spring training. … The Diamondbacks optioned rookie starter Enrique Gonzalez to Triple-A Tucson.