Angels not considering first-to-third switch for Albert Pujols

DETROIT -- One way for the Angels to get outfielders Peter Bourjos and Vernon Wells, when he returns from a thumb injury, into the lineup more often would be to move first baseman Albert Pujols to third and outfielder Mark Trumbo to first, an alignment the team used for several interleague games in National League Parks.

It could happen ... but not often.

“I think Albert is willing to play third base on occasion, but as a permanent move, I don’t think it’s anything we’re going to explore,” Manager Mike Scioscia said. “Our lineup is certainly getting deep.

“We have a Gold Glove first baseman, and we have some guys playing really well defensively at third. You look at defensive continuity, and I think Albert is very comfortable at first. He brings an incredible presence there, and I don’t think you want to lose that.”

Pujols is actually the designated hitter for Thursday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers in Comerica Park. The slugger, who is hitting .346 with nine home runs and 27 runs batted in over his last 36 games, fouled a ball off his left foot and hit the first-base bag awkwardly with his left foot in New York last weekend.

In the fourth inning of Wednesday night’s 7-2 loss to the Tigers, Pujols was thrown out at second trying to advance on a ball that bounced past catcher Gerald Laird. Pujols hobbled off the field but remained in the game.

“The pain goes up into his leg a bit, but it’s something he’s had before and dealt with,” said Scioscia, who moved regular DH Kendrys Morales to first for Thursday’s game. “If he needs to DH for a couple of days, he will.”

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