TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Los Angeles Angels are preparing to start the regular season without injured slugger Albert Pujols.
Manager Mike Scioscia said Thursday the three-time NL MVP is doing some swinging, but still faces a long recovery following November surgery on his right foot.
Scioscia says team doctors expect Pujols won't be ready for the April 4 opener against the Chicago Cubs, although Scioscia wouldn't completely rule it out.
Free-agent pickup Daniel Nava has taken grounders the past couple weeks at their spring training facility and is a candidate to play first base if Pujols starts the season on the disabled list.
The 10-time All-Star was injured in late August and spent most of the last month of the season as the designated hitter.
