Angels' Pujols cleared to remove walking boot

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols crossed off a significant milestone in his recovery from foot surgery Monday.

The 10-time All-Star was given the green light to remove the walking boot from his right foot, a little less than two months after undergoing the procedure.

"The feedback we're getting is that he's doing great," Angels general manager Billy Eppler told Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.

Pujols was relegated to designated-hitting duties for the final month of the season before undergoing surgery in early November. The soon-to-be 36-year-old's initial timetable to return is in late March.

Though Pujols was adamant about returning to first base next season, manager Mike Scioscia said last month that Pujol's playing time defensively will be determined by his health.

"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."

The Angels have failed to add the highly sought-after power bat they hoped to land so far this winter, making Pujols' health even more important heading into the season. Pujols and Mike Trout combined for 81 homers last season, while the rest of the team combined for 95.