Major League Baseball

Angels' Pujols eyes opening day, more open to DH

Published Feb. 23, 2016 3:10 p.m. ET

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TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols is determined to play on opening day, and is open to spending more time at designated hitter as he recovers from right foot surgery.

Pujols arrived at spring training Tuesday, took his physical and says he's been hitting and running the past month. While the team's medical staff has cautioned the 10-time All-Star may miss the start of the regular season, Pujols says ''my target is opening day.''

Manager Mike Scioscia says that while the Angels are better with Pujols at first base, it's more important to keep his bat in the lineup. The 36-year-old Pujols has resisted lengthy stints as a DH in the past, but has softened on the idea.

Pujols had his first 40-homer season since 2010 last year, but hit only .244 against a steady diet of defensive shifts as the Angels missed the playoffs.

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