The manager of the Dominican Republic team is still hoping that first baseman Albert Pujols can play in the World Baseball Classic despite his elbow surgery. Pujols had a 25-minute outpatient procedure on Monday to relieve nerve irritation in his right elbow. He is expected to be ready for spring training. "He feels optimistic and positive and will do everything possible to join the team," manager Stan Javier told The Associated Press by e-mail.