Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols told the Los Angeles Times on Friday that he will be ready for the team's season opener despite rehabbing a knee injury. Pujols, who underwent orthoscopic knee surgery in October, says he is taking his time and will not force an early comeback to participate in spring training games.

"It's hard to read the future," Pujols said. "If the season started tomorrow, I'd be playing, but there's no reason to push it. We're being cautious because we have time."

Pujols injured his knee in late-August and became an everyday designated hitter, after spending the first 11-years of his career as a National League first baseman. Pujols will likely continue his role as a DH in the early portion of the 2013 season until he is back to 100 percent.

The three-time MVP winner hit for a .285 average with 30 home runs and 99 RBIs in his first season with the Angels last year.