Healthy Pujols reports to camp early

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Albert Pujols arrived early to Spring Training on Tuesday, as is his custom, and reported good health in his right knee, which underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure early in the offseason.

He'll pace himself, though. Pujols hit on the field with Josh Hamilton while pitchers and catchers had their first workout at Tempe Diablo Stadium, but will ease into defense at first base, starting with ground balls hit directly at him, according to manager Mike Scioscia.

Pujols won't be appearing in games when the Cactus League schedule begins on Feb. 23, but neither will most of the regulars. Scioscia said his everyday guys won't get into game action until March 1, with the early games put in place mostly for those participating in the World Baseball Classic (which, for the Angels, is only Erick Aybar).

"He looks great," Scioscia said of Pujols. "He looks like he's in great shape. Naturally, we're going to try to pace him in with the offseason knee surgery, but we don't anticipate it being any problem. We have a lot more time this year, which we'll make sure we make good use of."