Pujols dealing with plantar fasciitis in right foot
Not considered serious, slugger gets Wednesday's finale off
ANAHEIM -- Albert Pujols has been playing through plantar fasciitis in his right foot for a couple of weeks, but there are no plans to shut down the slugger, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.
Pujols has battled with plantar fasciitis in his left foot for much of his career, but now he's dealing with the same issue in his right foot.
"Probably this particular thing has been hurting him on and off for the last couple weeks," Scioscia said. "He's been managing it and playing very well."
Over the past two weeks, Pujols has slashed .388/.380/.673 with four home runs, two doubles and 10 RBIs.
Pujols and Mike Trout were not in the lineup for Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Reds, marking the first time since Sept. 18, 2014, that both Trout and Pujols were not in the Angels' order. Scioscia expects both players back in the lineup on Friday in Seattle, following an off-day on Thursday.
"Albert is obviously dealing with some things," Scioscia said. "We're trying to get these guys some refresh time here and combine it with a day off tomorrow."
Pujols has never gone on the disabled list for plantar fasciitis, which manifests when the ligament that supports the arch of the foot is strained, causing pain to walk or stand. The condition never really goes away, and most people never require a surgical procedure to cut the ligament, per WebMD.
Pujols, 36, has started 100 games as a designated hitter and 28 games at first base this season, as he and the Angels try to manage the toll on his lower body. Pujols leads the Angels with 26 homers and entered Wednesday second in the American League with 103 RBIs.
Worth Noting
• Cory Rasmus, on the 15-day DL with a right groin strain, is throwing off a mound in Arizona and will progress to simulated games next week, Scioscia said. Rasmus has been sidelined since June 13.
• Outfielder Shane Robinson, on the 15-day DL with a right hip flexor strain, has progressed to taking batting practice on the field and running the bases. He has been on the DL since Aug. 13.