The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Albert Pujols has a sprained right elbow that could reduce him to a limited role as a pinch hitter for the next three weeks.

Pujols, the National League rookie of the year in 2001 and the runner-up in MVP voting last year, was batting .362 with two home runs and nine RBI heading into a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. He was hurt when he slipped while making a throw in Milwaukee on Monday.

"I knew right away that I was injured," Pujols said.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Pujols might be able to play first base in a pinch.

"If this was the American League, he could get five at-bats tonight," La Russa said. "I heard he's fine to swing, but he cannot throw - should not throw - until the ligament is repaired."

ROYALS: Kansas City activated center fielder Carlos Beltran, who had been on the disabled list since straining a right oblique muscle during spring training.

PIRATES: First baseman Randall Simon, who was involved in a minor traffic accident near PNC Park Thursday night, didn't start Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs because of a sore neck.

The Pirates said the injury appears to be minor and they don't expect Simon, who is hitting .310 with two homers and 10 RBI, to be out more than a day or so.

METS: Catcher Jason Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, and right-hander Jason Middlebrook was optioned to Norfolk.

Phillips, recalled primarily to be a pinch hitter, opened the season with New York and went 1-for-3 with a walk in two games.

Middlebrook worked just one inning for the Mets this season, giving up two hits and a run in Thursday's 7-2 win over Pittsburgh.

INDIANS: Right-hander Blake Stein was signed to a minor-league contract. Stein, released by Tampa Bay at the end of spring training, spent most of his career with Kansas City and has a record of 21-28 with a 5.41 ERA in 117 appearances.