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Report: Valbuena to see time at 1st, 3rd base in Pujols' absence

Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

There is a method to the madness of Los Angeles Angels general manager Billy Eppler, and that method appears to be concentrated on preparing for a season opener without Albert Pujols.

That preparation took form with the pending addition of free-agent infielder Luis Valbuena.

Pujols underwent surgery on Dec. 2 to release the planter fascia in his right foot, and is expected to be out of action for at least four months.

With Pujols on the disabled list, Valbuena is expected to see the field primarily against right-handed pitching while filling first base, third base, and designated hitter duties, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, citing sources.

The 31-year-old is coming off a season with the Houston Astros that saw him appear in 90 games split between third, second, and first base. Rather than signal a replacement for the likes of C.J. Cron and Jefry Marte, the addition of Valbuena is instead a move to prepare for an extended absence from Pujols, according to Rosenthal.

When Pujols is healthy enough to return to the Angels' lineup, the club will determine the best way to move forward at that time, meaning a roster move is bound to happen in some form.

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