Could Albert Pujols Return...This Tuesday?!

A few days ago, after a CT scan revealed quick healing of his wrist fracture, some buzz started to swirl around about Albert Pujols possibly making a return to the St. Louis Cardinals right after the All-Star break - a good two-and-a-half weeks earlier than the original six weeks that most people expected.  That was great news for all of the St.  Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols fans around the country.

Do you know what would be even better?  If Albert Pujols returned tomorrow.  Apparently, Pujols is making incredible progress and could make his return to the lineup on July 5th - the first day that he is eligible to be activated off of the disabled list.

Pujols has been taking indoor batting practice for about a week now (with his wrist wrapped) and fielding grounders on the field without any pain.  I have a hard time believing it also, but Pujols had this to say, "If I have any pain, I don't think I'd be swinging the bat."  It's not my wrist or your wrist so I suppose we can take Pujols' word for it.

Personally, if I were a Cardinals fan I might want to see Pujols take a little extra time to heal.  Maybe let the Cardinals suck it up for seven more games and then give him the extra four days of rest during the All-Star break.  Then again, if he's healed enough to play at or near his typical level of play...let it rip.

Pujols will undergo examination on Tuesday morning before the team decides what the next step will be.  Even if his return does not come tomorrow, I am thrilled as a Pujols fan (and fantasy owner) that his return will likely come long before the original expected return date of August 1.