Wells Will Miss Next Start for White Sox

David Wells will miss his scheduled start for the Chicago White Sox today against the Toronto Blue Jays because of a strained left groin.

Wells, the subject of trade rumors, will be replaced by Jon Garland.

White Sox Manager Jerry Manuel said Sunday that the trade talk has nothing to do with the decision.

“He’s hurting, and we’re giving him a break,” Manuel said.

Wells said he doesn’t expect to throw until Tuesday at the earliest.

Rick Ankiel, the St. Louis Cardinals’ struggling left-hander who pitched even wilder in the minor leagues, might be headed to the team’s extended spring training camp in Jupiter, Fla.

Ankiel, 21, was optioned to triple-A Memphis on May 11 after going 1-2 in six starts with a 7.13 earned-run average and 25 walks in 24 innings. In three starts with Memphis, he has a 20.77 ERA with 17 walks and 12 wild pitches in 4 1/3 innings.

Team officials plan to meet with Ankiel today. The meeting is to include Ankiel, Manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan.

The most likely scenario, Duncan said, would be to send Ankiel to the extended spring camp.

“I think, unless somebody convinces me differently, that is the step to take,” Duncan said. “I could be convinced differently but when I get involved in the discussions, I’m going to encourage that that takes place.”

The San Francisco Giants put outfielder Eric Davis on the 15-day disabled list because of tightness in his left shoulder.

Davis has slumped in recent weeks because of his sore shoulder, which he injured while diving to make a catch last month. He has struggled to recapture his form from last year, when he hit .303 for St. Louis. Davis is hitting .186 with one home run and eight RBIs.

The Giants activated utility player Felipe Crespo.

The Cincinnati Reds put reliever John Riedling on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore right shoulder. . . . Baltimore Oriole right-hander Pat Hentgen will see an orthopedic specialist this week to seek a second opinion on his ailing right elbow. Hentgen is eligible to leave the disabled list June 1, but said he’s almost certain he will stay sidelined longer. . . . The New York Mets put reliever Donne Wall on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right shoulder and called up Jerrod Riggan from triple-A Norfolk. . . . The New York Yankees put reliever Todd Williams on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained abdominal muscle and recalled Carlos Almanzar from triple-A Columbus. . . . The Tampa Bay Devil Rays recalled pitcher Ryan Rupe from triple-A Durham.