Albert Pujols has a swollen lymph gland in his groin

Jun 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Los Angeles Angels base runner Albert Pujols (5) is tagged out at second by Kansas City Royals second basemen Omar Infante (14) trying to stretch a single into a double during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Los Angeles Angels base runner Albert Pujols (5) is tagged out at second by Kansas City Royals second basemen Omar Infante (14) trying to stretch a single into a double during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /
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A lot of folks are wondering what is wrong with Albert Pujols. I don’t know if this fully answers their question, but at least part of the issue for Pujols is the golf ball sized swollen lymph gland in his groin.

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The hideous-sounding swollen gland issue came to light after a play in Sunday’s game vs. Kansas City where an obviously-hobbled Pujols was gunned down trying to leg out a double. Pujols made no attempt to slide on the play, and was seen grimacing as he jogged off the field.

After the game Pujols explained why he didn’t try to slide on the play (via MLB.com):

"I think it was one of those things that when I saw the ball, I got my mind set to slide. When I saw the ball tailing to the right, I kind of shut it down and that’s when I felt it. I’m not looking for an excuse. I should’ve run all the way through the bag. Obviously, they made a good play."

Pujols says he has battled swollen lymph glands before but never in his groin. In fact, he didn’t even realize it was possible for lower-body lymph gland swelling to be an issue. Guess he found out the hard way.

The slugger also says the swelling doesn’t bother him when he’s hitting, but sometimes it causes his groin to tighten up which can hinder him on the base paths as we saw Sunday. All-in-all, Pujols doesn’t seem that concerned about the problem.

I personally would be horrified if some obscure gland in my groin swelled to the size of a golf ball. Sounds like a David Cronenberg movie to me. Good luck with that, Albert.

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