CARLSBAD, Calif. • A comeback attempt with the Cardinals 14 years in the making will have to wait at least a few more months as lefty Rick Ankiel had elbow surgery that, for the moment, will delay his planned returned as a pitcher.
Ankiel has been rehabbing his arm at the Cardinals' facility in Jupiter, Fla., and Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed that Ankiel had a ligament repaired in his left elbow that will push back formal discussion of a contract for Ankiel.
The Cardinals remain interested in giving Ankiel a look throughout spring training as he gets healthy and stronger, and they are welcome to playing a role in his recovery and return to baseball.