Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols hopes to begin agility drills and light running in a couple of days to test his surgically repaired right knee.
Pujols underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee in October, what he considered a minor cleanup procedure, but said Thursday he will ease into spring training with the hopes of being fully healthy for April 1, Opening Day."You saw how I played the last six or seven weeks of the season," Pujols said. "I was in a lot of pain. Everything's good, I rehabbed really well."Pujols struggled early last season and hit .285 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs in his first season with the Angels.He strained his right calf in late August, and was limited on the base paths and in the field for the rest of the season.BrieflyMariners: Felix Hernandez will make $27 million in the final year of his new $175 million, seven-year contract, which includes a conditional eighth-year option should he need elbow ligament surgery during the length of the deal.Yankees: Kevin Youkilis, the one-time Red Sox All-Star, took part in his first workout with the Yankees and said his years with Boston can't be negated. "I'll always be a Red Sox," he said. "That's part of your history, it's part of your life." Youkilis figures to be the Yankees' starting third baseman for at least the first half of the season while Alex Rodriguez recovers from hip surgery.Athletics: Closer Grant Balfour had arthroscopic surgery Thursday on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. The A's said recovery time usually is four to six weeks and Balfour decided to have the procedure now with the hope of returning for the start of the season.Rockies-Rays trade: Colorado acquired infielder Reid Brignac from Tampa Bay in exchange for a player to be named and cash considerations. Brignac hit .095 last year in 16 big league games.Cardinals: The club announced a three-year contract extension with general manager John Mozeliak and exercised the 2014 option for manager Mike Matheny.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
