Ray Mileur
December 31, 2004
Ankiel shutdown until spring training - inury reported as "not serious"
By Ray Mileur
Rick Ankiel has been shut down until Spring Training according to sources with what is being described as a sore elbow.
Ankiel who had experienced some discomfort in his left arm after his December 18th start, with the Gigantes del Carolina in the Puerto Rican Winter League. The promising left-hander and fan favorite was scheduled to make one more start when the Cardinals decided to bring him home as a precaution.
Initial reports do not indicate the how serious the injury is. Hopefully it is just strain on the left elbow and not a serious sprain or ligament tear.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was "reassured" by the Cardinals Brass on Thursday that this was nothing serious.
Ankiel is expected to be ready to start spring training on time and the former starter will
most likely be used out of the bullpen this season.
In 27.2 innings for the Carolina Giants of the Puerto Rican League, Ankiel was 1-1 with a 3.25 ERA and a 31/7 K/BB ratio.
