Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia came up with an innovative way to keep Albert Pujols in the lineup while he recovers from off season knee surgery.
During Sunday's game against the Kansas City Royals, the still ailing slugger-on-the-men was lifted after reaching via a walk and replaced with a "courtesy runner". Wait. Was using a "ghost runner" not an option?
"I talked to Mike about it before the game and I didn't have a problem with it," Royals skipper NedYost said. "On a number of fronts: One, we had a packed house [7,417 announced attendance] and they want to see Albert Pujols; and two, I want our pitchers facing Albert Pujols."
It does make sense when you put it that way.
Non-roster invitee Matt Young took Pujols' place at first when the three-time MVP drew a walk in his second plate appearance. But when he took Bruce Chen deep in the fifth, it was Pujols himself out there hobbling around the bases. The team expects the slugger to be ready by Opening Day.
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