MLB roundup: Pujols should be set for spring after knee surgery

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols had minor knee surgery last week but should be ready for spring training next year.

The arthroscopic procedure, which was performed in St. Louis, involved cleanup on the knee, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The newspaper's sources said Pujols already is doing conditioning work.

Pujols injured the knee in late August but continued to play. However, he was mostly a DH in September.

His first season with the Angels ended with a .285 batting average, 30 homers and 105 RBI.

--Alex Rodriguez's days appeared to be numbered in New York after his benching during the playoffs, and the Yankees third baseman says he's open to going elsewhere.

Rodriguez won't lobby for a trade, a source told USA Today, but both sides are looking for a way out. He has five years and $114 million remaining on his contract with the Yankees.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman rejected a report that a deal was discussed with the Miami Marlins.

Among the suitors could be the Marlins, Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, according to USA Today.

However, CBS Sports reported that the Marlins and Dodgers denied interest.

--New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey had surgery Thursday in Philadelphia to repair a lower abdominal muscle tear.

Dickey tweeted Wednesday that the procedure was minor and that he expected no issues. The 38-year-old knuckleballer said he pitched with a dull pain for the final five months of the season.

He's expected to recover well in advance of the start of spring training.

Dickey is a leading candidate to win the National League Cy Young Award after his 20-win season.

The injury shouldn't impact Dickey's contract negotiations with the Mets during the offseason. Dickey has a $5 million club option for next season and could be in line for a new contract in the three-year, $40 million range based on his performance the past two seasons.