Rick Ankiel thinks about pitching again - MLB

Rick Ankiel says he would consider pitching again. Here are his comments to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

“I keep thinking when I can’t run any more and I still want to be in
the game, maybe I’ll give [pitching] a shot. For now,
I’m an outfielder and that’s how I look at it.”

Stranger things have happened, I suppose. Minnie Minoso got a base hit when he was 50. A high school baseball coach pitched relief for the Devil Rays. Corey Patterson and Gary Matthews Jr. keep finding work. Ankiel could pitch one day I guess. For someone. I just hope that if he really does want to pitch again he doesn’t wait for a time when he “can’t run anymore.” After all, if a pitcher’s legs go, he’s not that useful anymore.

Anyway, what happened to Ankiel the pitcher makes me sad to this day. It’s a fantasy, I know, but I think it would be great to see him throwing junk to some minor leaguers when he’s 40 if such a thing would give him a sense of career satisfaction or closure or whatever.

LOS ANGELES — Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and Tommy Kahnle were activated by the New York Yankees ahead of their weekend series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

New York cleared three roster spots after a 1-0 loss at Seattle, optioning infielder-outfielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Franchy Cordero to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with left-hander Matt Krook.

Stanton, Donaldson and Kahnle all played in a rehab game for Double-A Somerset. Stanton was hitless in three at-bats in his first appearance since injuring his left hamstring on April 15.

Donaldson went 1 for 4 in his fourth rehab game as he comes back from a strained right hamstring originally sustained on April 5.

Kahnle pitched one inning, giving up one run and one hit and walking two. He has been out since spring training with right biceps tendinitis.

Aaron Boone said he wasn’t concerned about Stanton returning after playing in just one rehab game. He did say that Stanton likely will be a designated hitter for a couple of weeks after rejoining the Yankees.

New York is missing centerfielder Harrison Bader, who strained his right hamstring against the Mariners and went on the injured list the next day.

Left-hander Carlos Rodón, sidelined since spring training by a sore left forearm and an ailing back, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.