NEW YORK (Reuters) - Albert Pujols was activated off the disabled list about a month before the three-time National League Most Valuable Player was expected to return from injury, the St. Louis Cardinals said on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old nine-times All-Star was expected to miss up to six weeks with a small fracture near his left wrist suffered June 19 when an opposing team's baserunner made contact with him while trying to beat a throw to first base.
While Pujols is eligible to play in Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, a report on Major League Baseball's website said the slugger will not start but could pinch-hit.
Pujols has a .279 batting average with 17 home runs and 45 runs batted in 73 games this season.
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue)
