Angels' Pujols has minor surgery on right knee

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Albert Pujols had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week, and the Los Angeles Angels first baseman should be ready for the start of spring training.

The Angels on Thursday confirmed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's report on the surgery, describing it as a minor cleanup procedure.

Pujols overcame a slow start to hit .285 with 30 homers and 105 RBIs in his first season with the Angels after leaving the Cardinals for a 10-year, $240 million deal as a free agent.

The three-time NL MVP strained his right calf in late August, and was limited on the basepaths and in the field for the rest of the season. Pujols largely was a designated hitter down the stretch, and his leg injury noticeably affected his baserunning.

Updated October 18, 2012