Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujols back in lineup after being sidelined with bad back

Cardinals’ Pujols back in lineup against Orioles

JUPITER, Fla. — St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols is back in the lineup against Baltimore after being scratched from Monday’s game against Boston with a sore back.

The reigning National League MVP said Wednesday he feels “good, really good.”

He had an MRI and received an anti-inflammatory shot on Monday. The Cardinals were off on Tuesday. Pujols also missed a week early in spring training with back issues.

He is hitting .292 with one home run and four RBIs in seven spring games.

Manager Tony La Russa said Pujols has been “very smart about pushing it or backing off.” La Russa added he is “good to go.”