frivolousz21
08-16-2004, 11:29 AM
ATLANTA - Rick Ankiel's progression from more than a year's pitching absence to a spot on the Cardinals' September roster continues as the club has promoted him from Class A Palm Beach to Class AA Tennessee.
Ankiel worked 3 2/3 innings Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against Vero Beach. The lefthander threw three shutout frames before allowing two runs. Ankiel allowed two hits without a walk and threw 10 first-pitch strikes to 14 batters faced.
The appearance, which was delayed two days by a slight groin pull, was Ankiel's third on a 30-day rehabilitation assignment following ligament replacement surgery to his left elbow in July 2003.
Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty remained in Florida an additional two days after the Cardinals completed their series against the Florida Marlins to watch Ankiel's outing.
"He pitched well," Jocketty said.
He projected Ankiel will make two starts at Tennessee before completing his rehab at Class AAA Memphis, then, barring complications, rejoining the Cardinals.
"He probably wouldn't have given up anything if not for some questionable defense," Jocketty said. "The main things we're looking for are arm strength, command and confidence on the mound. They were all there."
Ankiel's fastball averaged 90-91 miles per hour and topped at 93, according to Jocketty. Ankiel also demonstrated command of his curveball.
"His command is very good," Jocketty said. "I think he's just happy to be competing again."
Ankiel is slated to pitch when Tennessee plays at Greenville on Thursday. His next scheduled start would be Aug. 23 at home, against Greenville. That schedule would allow him time to make one more start at Memphis before his assignment expires.
Ankiel is expected to work out of the Cardinals' bullpen.
He has not appeared in a major-league game since being optioned in May 2001.
Ankiel worked 3 2/3 innings Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against Vero Beach. The lefthander threw three shutout frames before allowing two runs. Ankiel allowed two hits without a walk and threw 10 first-pitch strikes to 14 batters faced.
The appearance, which was delayed two days by a slight groin pull, was Ankiel's third on a 30-day rehabilitation assignment following ligament replacement surgery to his left elbow in July 2003.
Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty remained in Florida an additional two days after the Cardinals completed their series against the Florida Marlins to watch Ankiel's outing.
"He pitched well," Jocketty said.
He projected Ankiel will make two starts at Tennessee before completing his rehab at Class AAA Memphis, then, barring complications, rejoining the Cardinals.
"He probably wouldn't have given up anything if not for some questionable defense," Jocketty said. "The main things we're looking for are arm strength, command and confidence on the mound. They were all there."
Ankiel's fastball averaged 90-91 miles per hour and topped at 93, according to Jocketty. Ankiel also demonstrated command of his curveball.
"His command is very good," Jocketty said. "I think he's just happy to be competing again."
Ankiel is slated to pitch when Tennessee plays at Greenville on Thursday. His next scheduled start would be Aug. 23 at home, against Greenville. That schedule would allow him time to make one more start at Memphis before his assignment expires.
Ankiel is expected to work out of the Cardinals' bullpen.
He has not appeared in a major-league game since being optioned in May 2001.