Ankiel 's elbow attempt at return to the big leagues appears over, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Ankiel was attempting to return as a pitcher 15 years after throwing his last major-league pitch, but elbow surgery in October set him back significantly.
The plan was always a long shot, and the delay will probably wind up being enough for the year-old to cancel his efforts entirely. Initial reports following Ankiel's surgery suggested that he wouldn't be able to throw until the summer, but he's apparently well ahead of that schedule. Ankiel is now targeting June for his return to competitive action as a pitcher 15 years after he threw his last major-league pitch.
In his debut as an outfielder, Ankiel hit a three-run homer in a victory over the San Diego Padres. A couple of games later, he launched a pair of home runs in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. A few weeks later Ankiel homered twice in a game against the Pirates. In 47 games that season, Ankiel had a. The following season he belted 25 homers in games. Ankiel had done what many thought impossible and completely transformed his game into an everyday position player and done so quite successfully.
In retirement, Ankiel stayed in good condition pitching in a semi-pro league. He always toyed with the idea of making a return to pitch at the big-league level one day. A shot at redemption. In , Ankiel announced he was planning a comeback as a pitcher. This spring, he worked as an instructor in Cardinals camp, where he worked with both pitchers and hitters. He lives in Florida but will commute to St. Became just the 2nd player Babe Ruth in Major League history to hit 25 or more HR's in a season while having previously started 25 or more games as a pitcher.
He also batted. Each of his final 15 starts were in LF. He appeared in 66 of the team's 86 wins, batting. Was leading the Pacific Coast League with 32 home runs at time of purchase, 2nd in all of minor leagues Omaha's Craig Brazell Finished T2nd among final PCL leaders. His 32 home runs ranked 4th among all minor league players. Had an. Was on his way to breaking several Memphis Redbird offensive records Had two, two-homer games. LA, with both HRs coming on first pitches. Hit five homers and 19 RBI while batting.
His eight-game hit streak in which he hit. Went The injury occured in a scrimmage prior to the Grapefruit League schedule and was diagnosed as a patella tendon strain Signed a minor league contract with St.
Began season at Double-A Springfield and collected just one hit in his first seven games before being optioned to Quad Cities Played 23 games in right field and seven in center; was the DH in 19 games Had two seven-game hitting streaks at Quad Cities. Upon his return hit. Committed four errors three at Quad Cities, one at Springfield in 55 combined games in the outfield and had five assists, including three in 25 games for Springfield.
Was a combined with a 0. With St. Louis, recorded two holds in his five games pitched, all in relief Blanked ARI for 2. Had a shaky outing at COL, allowing five runs in 2.
Struck out two batters and walked none MIL with 4. Pitched in the Puerto Rican League during the winter where he had a mark with a 3. Had one shutout and threw Greenville, allowing 5 runs in just 2.
Finished the year with a 6. Rick allowed just four runs on 9 hits in his final three starts The surgery was performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum. Appeared in just one spring training game before experiencing arm trouble That lone appearance came vs. He threw 47 pitches, including 30 for strikes. George Paletta that a non-surgical approach was an appropriate plan of action, and that Rick should not throw for the rest of the summer. Was cleared to begin throwing off the mound following another meeting with Dr.
He fanned eight in 5. Made just three starts for the Memphis club, walking 17 batters in just 4. Nashville, he set Pacific Coast League records for wild pitches 5 and walks 6 in a single inning After a three week stay in extended spring training, Rick reported to Johnson City R in June and turned his season around by enjoying success both on the mound and at the plate He led the Appalachian League with a 1.
He also made a run at the Appy League home run title, belting 10 round-trippers as a part-time designated hitter
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