The Los Angeles Angels might have to go the rest of the 2013 season without first baseman Albert Pujols.
Pujols was put on the 15-day disabled list recently, and from the look of things he may not make his return until next year.
Plantar faciitis is behind Pujols being sidelined. The Angels’ web site reports that an MRI revealed a significant tear in Pujols’ left foot.
As a result, he is in a walking boot and will likely remain there for a long time as he rests his foot.
This injury didn’t come out of nowhere, though. Pujols had been playing with the foot inflammation all season. The stress became too much for his left foot to handle during Friday’s game against the Oakland A’s, when Pujols ripped off a single in the ninth inning.
It certainly wasn’t a good sign when he was replaced by a pinch runner after reaching the base but no one could have guessed how bad it was.
Fortunately for Pujols and the Angels, there are a number of ways to treat plantar faciitis. Unfortunately, now that there is a tear in the foot, the options that are left come with significant time off the field.
Pujols has battled plantar faciitis throughout his career, but this time has been the worst bout so far. Prior to now, Pujols would play through the pain and continue the season.
Now, that is not an option. Perhaps all the playing on a bad foot has finally caught up with him, and it may cost him the remainder of the 2013 season.