"It looks as if outfielder Rick Ankiel will be rejoining the Royals soon.

Royals manager Ned Yost said Wednesday that there's a good chance Ankiel, who has been out since April 24 because of a strained right quad, will return from Class AAA Omaha before the Royals open a four-game series against the New York Yankees tonight.

Yost said the Royals may clear a spot on the 25-man roster by putting right-hander Anthony Lerew on the disabled list.

Interestingly enough, Lerew — who left Tuesday's game against Toronto after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Edwin Encarnacion — said the bruises on his right ribs and right biceps hurt, but he still expects to make his next start on Sunday.

"Just a little sore," said Lerew, who threw on Wednesday and will throw again today. "I think the bruises might stick around for a while, but I'm good to go."

Not according to Yost, who added the Royals will bring another pitcher up by Sunday if Lerew is placed on the DL.

"To be quite honest with you, I don't really see it happening," Yost said when asked about the possibility of Lerew making his next start. "He's pretty sore, and we'll just have to wait and see. It's day-to-day."

Ankiel is hitting .270 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 64 at-bats during his recent rehab assignment with Omaha."