Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Albert Pujols could be out of the lineup for “a significant amount of time,” said manager Mike Scioscia according to the Associated Press. The Angles placed him on the disabled list Sunday due to a partially torn plantar fascia.
According to Scioscia, Pujols has been dealing with the foot for a while.
"This is something that, talking to Albert, has been going on for six or seven years," Scioscia said. "It's been going on for a long time and he's managed it. This is a big blow to our team right now."
The three-time National League MVP aggravated the tear while running to first base during the Angels’ 6-4 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Friday.
It doesn’t appear that surgery will be necessary but Sciocia did not rule out the possibility.
The injury was diagnosed Saturday after Pujols returned to Los Angeles to be examined.
"We'll just take it one step at a time and see how it goes," Scioscia said. "But this is not something that's going to heal in a week or two. After that we'll just wait and get direction from our medical department and how Albert feels. It's a significant amount of time, that's what it's going to take."
The Angels will definitely miss Pujols bat in the lineup. While the former Cardinal is only hitting .258, he still has 17 homers and 64 RBIs. He is currently in the third year of a 10-year, $240 million.
The Angles (48-54), who are sitting 12 games behind first place Oakland A’s, called up left-fielder Kole Calhoun from Triple-A Salt Lake to fill the open spot on the roster.
*Stats according to ESPN.com.
