Despite nicks, Pujols sustains prowess at plate

ANAHEIM — Albert Pujols has enjoyed a productive year, but it’s uncertain if the slugger will play this weekend against the Astros, the final series of the season for the Angels.

Pujols, fourth in the Majors with 119 RBIs, is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, which has forced him to miss the last two games. He’s played through pain for some time, and his return to the lineup is dependent on how the foot responds, according to manager Mike Scioscia.

“It’s got to the point right now where we don’t want to put him at risk,” Scioscia said, adding that there’s no anticipation of Pujols needing offseason surgery.

Pujols has battled foot issues in the past, but he’s been able to play 152 games this season, hitting .268/.323/.457 with 19 doubles and 31 home runs. The Angels will take that production from the 36-year-old slugger.

“You couldn’t have asked for more than he did this year for us,” Scioscia said. “There’s no doubt that the talent is there, and it’s real. He had an incredible season for …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com