Albert Pujols might begin 2016 Opening Day on DL

Albert Pujols had offseason surgery on his right foot, which may result in him starting the year on the DL.

According to MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez, there is a strong possibility that veteran slugger first basemen Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim might have to begin the 2016 MLB season on the disabled list.

The 36-year-old Pujols had offseason surgery to repair his injured right foot in early November. The recovery time from his offseason surgery was projected to be out 3 1/2 months, which would keep him from being a full participant in all baseball activities until mid-March.

However, Pujols’ foot isn’t keeping him from being able to swing the bat, as he has received medical clearance by the Angels organization to work on his offensive game. This could mean that Pujols could conceivably be the designated hitter for the Angels both in spring training and in the early part of April to avoid starting the year out on the DL.

At this point Pujols’ bat is pretty much all that makes his contract worth its price. And, given that the Angels have the worst farm system in MLB, it’s likely that the team is better off starting an injured Pujols at DH than calling up any prospects.

For the Angels to stay competitive in the American League West in 2016, they will need Pujols’ right-handed power in the middle of their lineup. In the twilight of his MLB career, he is still capable of carrying an offense as the Angels seek to make it back to the postseason.