Ankiel, Carpenter may return Wednesday

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals hope center fielder Rick Ankiel and pitcher Chris Carpenter both can rejoin the team Wednesday.

Ankiel bruised his right shoulder in a headfirst crash into the wall May 4. He's been playing in extended spring training games and is eligible to come off the disabled list Wednesday.

Carpenter, the 2005 NL Cy Young winner, has been on the 15-day DL since April 15 because of a strained muscle in his left ribcage.

The Cardinals moved up his timetable after a rainout Friday forced a shuffling of the rotation, along with Carpenter's impressive showing in an extended bullpen session.

"My understanding right now is there's a chance we could activate both Rick and Chris on Wednesday," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said Monday night.

La Russa said outfielder Ryan Ludwick likely will be ready when he's eligible to return from the DL on May 28.

-- AP