CHICAGO -- St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols was
scratched from the starting lineup Sunday against the Chicago Cubs
because of a hyperextended right elbow.
Pujols hurt his elbow on a swing during Friday's 6-5 loss to
Chicago, but played through pain Saturday when the Cubs won 4-2.
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Pujols was available to
pinch hit Sunday, adding that he was still sore and experiencing
some swelling in the elbow. St. Louis trainer Barry Weinberg said
the injury was probably minor.
Weinberg said Pujols was feeling soreness when he threw.
Pujols, the 2005 NL MVP, missed three weeks in June with a
strained right oblique muscle. He is batting .323 with 33 homers
and 87 RBIss.
Pujols was replaced at first base by Scott Spiezio while third
baseman Scott Rolen moved into the No. 3 spot in the batting order.