Rick

Ankiel

Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the surgery. Ankiel is out of options after this season, meaning the Cardinals must pass him through waivers if they wish to return him to the minors next season for any reason other than a rehab assignment.

Ankiel, who has made three straight strong starts, is currently being bumped back from Thursday to Monday, and is not scheduled to see any of the Cardinal medical staff.

The Cardinals are behind the idea, so Ankiel is likely to take part in the Puerto Rican league this offseason. The Cards would Ankiel to work as part of a rotation this winter before reporting to spring training as a starting candidate.

Ankiel is working out at the Cardinals’ spring training home in Jupiter, FL. He’ll probably be used as a starter this spring, though he figures to head to the pen if Matt Morris is able to start the season on time.

“He had it looked at, and he’s getting some treatment for it,” said Cardinals assistant GM John Mozeliak. “It’s just a matter of something that we’ll follow up with him later in January. But it is nothing severe.” Ankiel, who only would have made one more start, went 1-1 with a 3.25 ERA, 34 H and 31/7 K/BB in 27 2/3 IP for Carolina.

Ankiel, who had to cut short his stint in winter ball because of an elbow ''twinge,’' hasn’t had any problems in camp. Of the 40 pitches he threw to hitters yesterday, only one -- an opposite-field drive by Raul Gonzalez -- would have resulted in a hit.

Ankiel’s Monday session was cut short when a faulty delivery created control problems.

Ankiel is set to be used as a starter in spring training. He’ll probably open the year in the rotation if Matt Morris isn’t ready.

''He’s going to work his way up,’' GM Walt Jocketty said. ''Physically he’s 100 percent and his arm is very strong. Everything else has been good as well. His command is there.’' Manager Tony La Russa said that Ankiel, who had Tommy John surgery a year ago, will join the Cardinals when rosters expand in September.

He allowed one run on one hit with no walks and three strikeouts. It was his first game action since July 2 of last year. Ankiel is expected to join the Cardinals in September.