Pujols leaves game against Nats with calf tightness

WASHINGTON -- St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols left Tuesday night's game against the Washington Nationals with tightness in his left calf.

Pujols was removed for pinch runner Rick Ankiel immediately after being hit in the left shoulder by a pitch from Nationals reliever Jesus Colome in the top of the fourth inning. The game had recently resumed after a 1-hour, 51-minute rain delay.

Manager Tony La Russa said Pujols first felt the tightness during an earlier at-bat.

"He felt a little something in his calf," La Russsa said. "He took the at-bat, but Ank was going to play anyway. We'll have to see how his calf is tomorrow."