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Angels uncertain how often Pujols will play 1B

Gary A. Vasquez / USA TODAY Sports

Albert Pujols is in full recovery mode from offseason surgery, and although things are going well, the amount of time the slugger will spend at first base next season is still a question that won't be answered until closer to spring training.

"That conversation is a little premature, because we don't know where he is," manager Mike Scioscia told reporters at the winter meetings. "If I know Albert, he's always ahead of schedule when he has injuries and surgeries."

Pujols underwent surgery in November to repair the plantar plate in his right foot, and his playing time at first base is subject to his recovery.

"The most we need from Albert is his 650 plate appearances and hitting in the middle of our lineup and being as productive as he is," Scioscia explained. "And if we can do that with him playing the Gold Glove-caliber first base that he can bring, great. But we definitely don't want to jeopardize his ability in the batter's box with what he does at first base.

"If Albert comes in and he's healthy in the spring and can get out there and play first base during the season with us, we're a better team. There's no doubt about that."

Pujols slotted into 95 games at first for the Angels last season, while playing another 62 as the team's designated hitter, but Scioscia is prepared for the possibility that he may not get the same kind of time defensively from the soon-to-be 36-year-old, in which case C.J. Cron would slot in.

"If it comes to where he can swing the bat and isn't able to play first base, so be it," Scioscia said. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Pujols hit .244/.307/.480 with 40 home runs and 95 RBIs last season - his 15th in the majors.

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