St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has been an All-Star the last eight years, but the three-time National League MVP admitted Monday that he was not surprised to see his name left off the NL roster for the July 12 game at Arizona's Chase Field.
"My numbers are there, probably, compared to some of the guys who are going to be in the game, but I believe, myself, I haven't played like an All-Star, so I don't think I deserve to be in there," Pujols told The Associated Press. "Of course, you want to be an All-Star every year if you can, but I can't be disappointed."
Even with a left wrist injury that sidelined him June 19, Pujols is having far from a "bad year." He is batting .279 with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs, but those numbers seem pedestrian compared to the .329/44/133 marks he's averaged over a 162-game season in his career.
Yet while Pujols will not be on the field in Phoenix, he could be on the field for the Cardinals much sooner than expected. He reportedly said he has no pain in his wrist, has been taking swings in the batting cage and could return to the lineup Tuesday, the first day he is eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list.
Original reports estimated Pujols could be out as many as six weeks, placing his expected return in early August.
Pujols said he sees no reason to wait.
"I can't wait to get back on the field," Pujols said. "Hopefully, it can be [Tuesday]. If it's not, whenever the time comes will be the right time to play."
