Cardinals place Ankiel on disabled list

CARDINALS PUT ANKIEL ON THE DISABLED LIST

Cardinals pitcher Rick Ankiel, still trying to overcome control problems from two seasons ago, was placed on the 15-day disabled Thursday because of tendinitis in his left elbow.

Ankiel, 22, will remain at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter for extended spring training.

Ankiel made one start this month, giving up five runs in the second inning against Montreal on March 3.

A rookie star in 2000, Ankiel lost his control during the playoffs that season.

Ankiel's wildness continued last spring, and after starting in St. Louis, he was dropped to Triple-A Memphis, then to Johnson City of the rookie Appalachian League.

He made 14 starts with a 5-3 record and a 1.33 ERA at Johnson City.

-- AssociatedPress