"The sore right ankle bothering outfielder Rick Ankiel is now sufficiently troubling to the Royals that he isn't expected to play for a week.

"It was better (Saturday)," manager Trey Hillman said, "but it was minimally better. It was better to the point where we felt like there wasn't anything major going on.

"We've got until the end of the month, so I'm probably going to hold Rick out for the next six to seven days to make sure. We've still got plenty of time."

Hillman revealed his plans before Sunday's game against Oakland at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Ankiel remained at the club's complex in Surprise, Ariz., where he received treatment.

Ankiel, 30, was scratched from Friday's game against Seattle in Peoria, Ariz., after reporting the soreness. He didn't play Saturday against the Angels in Surprise.

Hillman said Ankiel isn't certain how the injury occurred.

"If he did (do something)," Hillman said, "he's not telling me. But I don't think there was anything specific that triggered it."