Albert Pujols Cleared To Hit Off Tee

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols has been cleared to hit off a tee as he continues his rehabilitation from November surgery to repair the plantar plate in his right foot, according to a Fox Sports report.

The reported news does not appear to accelerate the initial timetable of Pujols' return to baseball activities for late March, but the team is pleased with Pujols' progress, according to the report. Based on the initial timetable, the Angels expect Pujols to start the season on the disabled list.

Pujols, 36, gutted out 602 at-bats in 2015 while playing through the plantar fascia injury. The injury did not hamper Pujols' power, and he hit the 40-home run plateau for the first time since 2010 and knocked in 95 runs. He was relegated to the designated hitter slot for most of the final month of the season as the Angels rebounded into the playoff race.

A three-time National League MVP, Pujols has seen his production and playing time waver as he has struggled through several injuries in his four seasons with the Angels. He had knee surgery before the 2013 season, then a severe bout of plantar fasciitis that limited him to 99 games and 17 homers that season.

Mets, Cespedes Reach Deal

New York Mets officials and Yoenis Cespedes' representatives described the short-term deal that keeps the outfielder in Queens as a win for both sides on Wednesday.

Cespedes agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season. He will earn $27.5 million in 2016.

The agreement made sense for both sides. The Mets avoid the long-term commitment they were unwilling to entertain. For Cespedes, it provides a high payout in the opening season as well as an opportunity to test free agency again next winter when the volume of high-profile free agents is far less.