Slowed by offseason knee surgery, Albert Pujols has finally returned to first base and begun work on his fielding this week.

"He looked fine, he was moving to the bag well," Mike Scioscia said "He's a terrific first baseman, so he's not that far away from where he needs to be. I think it's an important first step for him to get out there and play a little defense."

Pujols has been working hard to get himself back on the field.

"He took an aggressive practice today as far as taking ground balls," Scioscia said.