Cards' Pujols has MRI exam, shot for tight back

[March 23, 2010]  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) -- St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols got an anti-inflammatory shot Monday for tightness in his back and is expected to be out of action for the next couple of days.

The three-time NL MVP missed a week this spring because of lower back pain he described as feeling like spasms. Pujols returned to play in five exhibition games before being pulled from the lineup against Boston.

"He received an MRI today and then an injection to put him over the hump, make him feel better," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "He's day-to-day. We'll see how he feels on Wednesday."

The Cardinals are off Tuesday.

Mozeliak said Pujols has felt some discomfort in recent days. Asked whether he thought the star first baseman's back could be a chronic concern throughout the season, Mozeliak said: "I don't get that sense."

The 30-year-old Pujols hit .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBIs last year in winning his second straight MVP award.

"We are going to get it treated and take a look at it," St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said. "I think right now if we take care of it, he should be fine."

[Associated Press]

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