Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols sits out 13-8 split-squad win over Red Sox with back tightness

Cards’ Pujols sits out with back tightness

JUPITER, Fla. — While Matt Holliday returned for the St. Louis Cardinals, their biggest slugger is still dealing with some back problems.

Albert Pujols was scratched from St. Louis’ 13-8 split-squad victory over the Boston Red Sox with back tightness. The two-time defending NL MVP also missed a week this spring because of lower back pain he described as more like spasms.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says Pujols should be fine.

Holliday hit an RBI double in his first game since March 9. He was nursing a strained muscle in his rib cage.

Brad Penny gave up seven runs and 10 hits in five innings for St. Louis.

Jeremy Hermida went 2 for 2 and scored two runs for Boston.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — While Matt Holliday returned for the St. Louis Cardinals, their biggest slugger still is dealing with some back problems.

Albert Pujols was scratched from St. Louis’ 13-8 split-squad victory over the Boston Red Sox with back tightness. The two-time defending NL MVP also missed a week this spring because of lower back pain he described as more like spasms.

“We are going to get it treated and take a look at it,” manager Tony La Russa said from Kissimmee, where the other half of the Cardinals picked up a 6-4 win against the Houston Astros. “I think right now if we take care of it, he should be fine.”

Boston’s lineup included two players with significant major league experience, shortstop Bill Hall and outfielder Jeremy Hermida, and the Red Sox still tagged former teammate Brad Penny for seven runs and 10 hits in five innings.

“You come out against a team you really don’t know anything about and they’re all swinging first pitch,” Penny said. “It’s kind of hard to work on setting a hitter up. In a regular-season game I’ll be moving people’s feet a lot more if they’re going to be swinging first pitch.”

Penny, slated to start the third game of the season, has a 7.97 ERA in 14 2-3 innings.

“I’ve had some really bad springs before,” the right-hander said. “Once the season comes your adrenaline gets going, it’s easier to focus, it’s more meaningful.”

Holliday hit an RBI double in his first game since March 9. He was nursing a strained muscle in his rib cage.

“I probably could have played one day earlier but they wanted a couple of days of batting practice, clear a couple of hurdles,” he said.

Holliday was slated to play left field before being switched to designated hitter because of the wet conditions. He should play the field Wednesday.

Holliday and Pujols have played one game together this spring.

“As long as we’re both in there on April 5,” Holliday said. “We don’t need to be in the same lineup, it’s not like we’re the quarterback and wide receiver.”

Jeremy Hermida went 2 for 2 and scored two runs for Boston. Tug Hulett had two hits and three RBIs.