Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols scuffling a bit, seemingly frustrated even while hitting .303

Three-time NL MVP Pujols scuffling

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols has no RBIs in nine games. A few more pop-ups or infield choppers and his average will drop below .300.

No wonder the frustration is showing at times for a player who’s always made production look easy.

May has not been a good month for the three-time NL MVP, who has one homer and 10 RBIs to go with a pedestrian .267 average.

On Friday, when Ryan Ludwick was caught stealing for the last out of the eighth inning with Pujols at the plate and the Cardinals ahead by four runs, Pujols slammed his bat to the turf. He carried a mini-tantrum to the dugout where he and manager Tony La Russa had a brief exchange.

La Russa called the confrontation “no big thing” and said he was upset it was portrayed as a big deal.