Class-A Outing Goes Well for Ankiel Again

Rick Ankiel pitched six innings Sunday night at Martinsville, Va., in his third consecutive strong start for Johnson City as he tries to rediscover the form that made him the top rookie pitcher in the majors last season.

Ankiel struck out five and gave up one unearned run, two hits and two walks, in a 6-1 victory over Martinsville in the Class-A Appalachian League.

Ankiel had been sent down to the minors by the St. Louis Cardinals because of his wild pitching earlier this season. He threw one wild pitch and one ball to the screen Sunday.

“I’m going out and executing, and I’m satisfied with what is happening right now,” Ankiel said. “For me, I’ve got to go out day by day and give it my all, and everything will take care of itself.”

Over 16 innings for Johnson City, Ankiel has walked three batters and thrown two wild pitches without giving up an earned run.

Ankiel, 21, was 11-7 with a team-leading 3.50 earned-run average and 194 strikeouts last season for St. Louis, but he had control problems in the National League division series, becoming the first pitcher in 110 years to throw five wild pitches in an inning.

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Texas Ranger catcher Ivan Rodriguez left Sunday night’s game against the Oakland Athletics after three innings because of a bruised left elbow. He was struck on the elbow by a foul ball in the first inning. X-rays on the elbow were negative. Rodriguez’s status is day to day.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks put reserve infielder Greg Colbrunn on the 15-day disabled list before Sunday’s victory against Colorado because of a left knee sprain. Less than a week ago, he came off the disabled list for a deep bruise on the same knee.