Pujols sidelined 4 1/2 months following right foot surgery
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols finally underwent right foot surgery last week after struggling through the final month of the season.
Pujols isn't expected to resume baseball activities for another four-and-a-half months, putting his projected recovery at some time in late March, and making his availability for the beginning of the 2016 season in jeopardy.
"The surgery, as expected, went very well," general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement. "Albert will continue rehabbing in the Kansas City area throughout the winter and is expected to resume full baseball activities in four-and-a-half months."
The 35-year-old is coming off a bounce-back season in which he was an All-Star and hit 40 home runs, but was relegated to designated hitting duties for most of September due to a sore right foot.
Pujols hit just .224/.294/.421 with five home runs and nine strikeouts over his final 28 games, as he underwent multiple injections in order to help alleviate some of the pain.
The Angels have numerous holes in their lineup they'll look to address in the offseason, including in left field, DH, third base, and second base, making the potential of Pujols not being ready to start the season somewhat more worrisome.
Pujols has six years and $165 million remaining on his deal with the Angels, which he signed prior to the 2012 season.