ANAHEIM -- Albert Pujols and the Angels have decided to shut down the slugger for the final three games of the season. Pujols has been playing through plantar fasciitis in his right foot for an extended period.
"I think it's in his best interests not to push this thing anymore, and I think it's the right decision," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said before Friday night's series opener against the Astros.
Pujols had tests on his right foot this week and had a "shock wave procedure" on the arch in the foot on Thursday, according to Scioscia. The Angels don't anticipate Pujols needing offseason surgery.
"It's just a process to try and promote healing; that's it," Scioscia said.
Pujols entered Friday fourth in the Majors with 119 RBIs. The 36-year-old played in 152 games, hitting .268/.323/.457 with 19 doubles and 31 home runs.
How much pain has Pujols been dealing with?
"A lot," Scioscia said. "That's what's special about Albert. Not only has he, historically through his whole career, played through things like this, he's performed with them. His ability to perform when he's banged up is as good as it gets. He's been banged up a lot this year and he had a terrific season for us."
Pujols has said he would like to play more first base next season. He was primarily a designated hitter this year and logged a career-low 233 2/3 innings in the field.
"We're a better team when he plays first base," Scioscia said. "He's a terrific first baseman, but not at the expense of losing what he needs to do in the batter's box. We'll have conversations, see how he feels and see how much he mixes in down there."
Worth Noting
• Left-hander Tyler Skaggs will start on Saturday, his first action since Sept. 9. He's been sidelined by a mild left forearm strain. In his first season back from Tommy John surgery, Skaggs is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA in nine starts.
• Right-hander Jered Weaver hopes to start the season finale on Sunday. Weaver, approaching his first offseason as a free agent, threw a bullpen session on Friday. He was removed from his start on Monday with tightness in his lower back. The Angels should know more about his status on Saturday.
"We're going to see how Jered feels moving into it, and if he feels good and he can take the ball, he would like to start Sunday. We would like to have him start Sunday," Scioscia said. "We hope it's not his last game."