Angels place Albert Pujols on 10-day DL with knee inflammation

Watch as Albert Pujols hits two home runs to move into a tie for sixth place all-time with Ken Griffey Jr.

LOS ANGELES — Albert Pujols will spend the All-Star break on the disabled list with left knee inflammation, a move that lets the Los Angeles Angels rest their slugger without him missing too many games.

Manager Mike Scioscia said Friday that Pujols had an injection in his knee.

"He’s been playing with it banged up for a while and he’s looking very productive," Scioscia said. "This is trying to get him to a higher level and maybe make him more comfortable."

Pujols tied Ken Griffey Jr. on the career home run list with his 630th blast on Thursday. Pujols is hitting .252 with 16 homers and 52 RBIs.

The Angels and Dodgers meet in the Freeway Series this weekend before the break begins. With the series at Dodger Stadium, there is no designated hitter, and that combined with the break gives Pujols an extended rest.

"It should be improved by the end of the DL time, so we expect him back after that," Scioscia said.

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