Pujols
Ankiel
Pujols, who left Tuesday night's game with tightness in his left calf, was unavailable. Ankiel had an infected left knee.
Pujols, who's batting .362 with 14 home runs and 39 RBIs, consulted with manager Tony La Russa and trainer Barry Weinberg before deciding early Wednesday afternoon not to play.
"If I wanted to, I could tape it up and play. I want to be smart," Pujols said.
The calf first bothered him early in Tuesday's game and La Russa wanted to take him out, but Pujols played until he was hit in the upper back by a pitch from Jesus Colome.
With Tuesday's game twice interrupted by rain and more inclement weather forecast for Wednesday and perhaps Thursday, Pujols agreed it was best to sit.
"That's probably why it got sore," Pujols said. "I don't want to take a chance."
Pujols had a calf injury a year ago. He said this one wasn't as bad.
"I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow," Pujols said.
La Russa, however, said he expected his star to miss two games.
"You've got to be careful with it," La Russa said.
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