TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Albert Pujols hit a pair of groundouts and struck out in his first spring training appearance of the year for the Los Angeles Angels, a 6-4 win Tuesday over the Cincinnati Reds.
The three-time MVP, recovering from offseason surgery on his right knee, hit a broken-bat grounder to third in the first against Mike Leake, struck out swinging in the fourth versus Aroldis Chapman and grounded to shortstop in the sixth against Wilkin De La Rosa.
About 10 days ahead of the schedule the Angels had anticipated, Pujols was the designated hitter and batted third.
The Los Angeles lineup included its projected starting outfield for the first time: Mike Trout in left, Peter Bourjos in center and Josh Hamilton in right field. They combined to go 4 for 8.
