Los Angeles Angels announced on Monday that with the team out of playoff contention, slugger Albert Pujols will be shut down for the regular-season due to injury.
Pujols was advised by the Angels' medical staff and front office to avoid rushing back to the lineup, considering the team's struggling 55-69 record - 16.5 games behind American League West division-leading Texas Rangers and 16 games behind the Oakland A's and Tampa Bay Rays in the wild-card race.
"It's not an easy decision, as competitive as I am," Pujols said to reporters prior the Angels Monday night game against Cleveland. "But I also understand that we (need) to look beyond the season."
Pujols, a three-time Most Valuable Award winner while a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, partially tore his plantar fascia, in a game against Oakland. Pujols was rehabilitating his foot in hopes of being able to play in September, even with the team out of contention, after getting his injured foot out of a walking boot.
Pujols readily admits it made no sense playing hurt in order to salvage his pride, acquiescing to the wishes of team owner Arte Moreno and general manager Jerry Dipoto.
The 34-year-old Pujols has eight seasons left on his $240 million contract - third highest salary in the league - with the team keeping an eye on future returns on their investment rather than risk furthering injury Pujols foot. Pujols batted career lows of 17 homers and 64 RBI this season.
"It was a decision of the organization, Arte and Jerry, because I don't make a decision here," said Pujols. "I put my uniform on and get ready to play. They said, 'This is what's best for the organization in the long run,' and they came and brought it to me. And I just told them, 'Whatever you guys want to do, I'm all for it.' It's definitely hard, as I want to be out there, but I also understand that I can't be selfish and put myself out there."
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