TEMPE, Ariz. -- Albert Pujols lightly ran the bases for the first time and took part in more intensive defensive work on Tuesday. Angels manager Mike Scioscia expects Pujols to play in his first Cactus League game on Saturday or Sunday, barring a setback.
At this point, the 36-year-old first baseman has little doubt he'll be ready by Opening Day, though it remains to be seen whether Pujols will have to serve as a designated hitter in the early part of the regular season.
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Pujols, recovering from November surgery on his right foot, has been a full participant in batting practice and has been taking part in pitchers' fielding practice since the first full-squad workout.
Pujols wasn't expected to get into full baseball activities until the middle of March, at the earliest. But the initial timeline for that -- four and a half months as of early November -- was conservative.
Worth noting
• C.J. Wilson's wife, Lisalla Montenegro, gave birth to the couple's first child, a girl, on Tuesday, Scioscia said. The Angels' lefty starter is expected back in camp within the next couple of days and will be cleared to resume throwing by that point. Wilson hasn't thrown off a mound since experiencing mild shoulder tendinitis 10 days ago.
• Tyler Skaggs, easing his way back from Tommy John surgery, felt sore during a bullpen session a little less than a week ago and took a few days off, just to be sure. The 24-year-old left-hander expects to get back on a mound on Friday and could throw live batting practice by next Tuesday, his final step before pitching in a game.