Albert Pujols flipped spots in a last-minute lineup change and will be the designated hitter for the Angels against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium today. The Angels, who beat Houston last night on a walk-off double by Pujols, can win their first series of the season with a win today.
Here’s the lineup that will face right-hander Philip Humber:
Bourjos CF
Trout LF
Pujols DH
Hamilton RF
Trumbo 1B
Kendrick 2B
Conger C
Jimenez 3B
Romine SS
That’s a change from the first lineup, in which the order was the same but Pujols was playing first base, Trumbo right field, and Hamilton was the designated hitter. Angels manager Mike Scioscia said the move had less to do with Pujols’ health — he’s been bothered by plantar fasciitis in his left foot — than “Josh really wants to keep getting acquainted in right field.”
“No doubt it would help Albert,” Scioscia added. Pujols had knee surgery last October.
“I don’t think the knee is obviously something that’s there, but the left foot is the majority of what’s going on.”
We’ll try to check in with Hamilton and Pujols after the game.
Left-hander C.J. Wilson starts for the Angels.