Rick Ankiel: Injured!

The first day of exhibition games and outfielder Rick Ankiel went down with an injury that will keep him out for two weeks.

Team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Shively confirmed the diagnosis shortly after the team’s Tuesday game against Florida Atlantic University and estimated Ankiel would be sidelined for at least 10-14 days.

"We’ll be able to tell you in 10 days to two weeks as to how well he responds," Shively said. "If he responds well then… it’s not a big deal."

Ankiel apparently sustained the injury when chasing a fly ball hit by outfielder Larry Bigbie during the Monday scrimmage. "I turned and my cleat stayed planted," said Ankiel, who called the sensation a "tweak" but allowed it had not eased overnight.

Shively stopped short of describing the strain as a tear. "It all depends on how you classify strain. A strain can be a lot of flavors," he said.

Rick, we're all praying for a speedy and hopeful recovery.