Pujols Out With Arm Fracture

By - Kris Fletcher

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that star first baseman Albert Pujols will be out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured left forearm.

The injury took place on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. The three-time NL MVP was hurt after Wilson Betemit hit a chopper up the middle off Cardinals starter Jamie Garcia.

Second baseman Pete Kozma backhanded the ball and made a jump-throw to first, pulling Pujols off the bag toward home. As he attempted a tag, Betemit ran into his glove hand and Pujols fell to the ground in pain.

Photo by: Jeff Curry

"He hit me on my wrist and my shoulder," Pujols said afterward. "He kind of jammed me back. It's the toughest play to make as a first baseman. It's a bang-bang play. I saw the replay a couple of times, but I didn't really want to look at it."

With the injury, Pujols will be placed on the 15-day disabled list for only the third time in his career.

He is due to enter free agency this fall after rejecting a multiyear contract extension at the start of spring training.

The Cardinals are currently tied for first place in the National League Central despite a season filled with injuries.

Pujols was hurt 3 days after cleanup hitter Matt Holliday returned from a quadriceps injury that landed him on the 15-day disabled list. He also missed time following an appendectomy earlier in the year.

Third baseman David Freese, second baseman Skip Schumaker and pitcher Kyle McClellan have all missed significant time as well. They also lost 20-game winner Adam Wainwright for the season early in spring training.