The Los Angeles Angels will play Albert Pujols more at designated hitter in 2016 to keep his bat in the lineup.

Pujols is recovering from foot surgery last month.

"The most we need from Albert is his 650 plate appearances and hitting in the middle of our lineup and being as productive as he is," Mike Scioscia said. "And if we can do that with him playing the Gold Glove-caliber first base that he can bring, great. But we definitely don't want to jeopardize his ability in the batter's box with what he does at first base."

This past season, Pujols made 62 of his 157 starts at DH, including each of his last 28, while dealing with a foot injury.