Feb 17, 2008 11:03 AM EST

The Cardinals plan to keep a close eye on the right elbow of Albert Pujols this season, according to the Associated Press.

Pujols opted not to have surgery to repair a strained ligament this offseason,and remains unconcerned about the possibility of severe damage.

"If it blows out, it's going to blow out," Pujols told the AP. "You can't control that."

Via ESPN