Pujols reportedly underwent knee surgery

Published Oct. 18, 2012 11:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Angels first baseman Albert Pujols underwent knee surgery last week, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported late Wednesday night.

The arthroscopic procedure is considered minor, the newspaper reported, and Pujols is expected to be ready for spring training.

Angels spokesman Tim Mead did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Pujols is believed to have injured the knee on Aug. 22, in a game against the Boston Red Sox. He sat out the next four games and then was restricted to designated hitter for 24 of his final 33 games.

Pujols, 32, hit .285 with 30 home runs for the Angels last season, the first in a 10-year, $240 million contract. His batting average and on-base percentage and slugging percentage dropped for the fourth consecutive season. His slugging average and home runs have declined for three consecutive years.

— Bill Shaikin