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Pujols is day-to-day with calf injury

The Los Angeles Angels will be without their most dangerous hitter, but probably not for long.

Albert Pujols left Wednesday's game in the fourth inning with a right calf injury. He underwent an MRI exam Thursday that revealed only inflammation and no structural damage.

He was not in the starting lineup Thursday but could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday.

"It's feeling way better today," Pujols said Thursday before the Angels rallied to beat the Red Sox 14-13 in 10 innings. "I'm walking better, and I have some strength back.

"Hopefully, it's nothing too bad. Just day to day."

An extended absence would put a large hole in the middle of the Angels' lineup. Pujols has hit home runs in four of his past eight home runs, and he has 14 homers since the All-Star break (the most in the majors). He's compiled a .747 slugging percentage over his past 21 games.

Since his horrible start hit rock bottom on May 5 with a .190 average, no home runs and five RBI, Pujols has hit .310 with 28 home runs (tied for the most in the majors in that time) and 81 RBI (second in the majors).