"Royals officials are characterizing outfielder Rick Ankiel's latest problem with his troublesome right quadriceps muscle as a minor setback. Plans are already in place for Ankiel to start a new rehab assignment, perhaps as early as Monday, at Class AAA Omaha.

"It's frustrating," general manager Dayton Moore said, "but it's more frustrating for him. You know how much of a competitor he is and how much he wants to get in there. It's just one of those things.

"He's trying to fight through it, but it is frustrating."

Ankiel, 30, suffered the injury April 24 and was six games into a rehab assignment last Tuesday at Omaha when the problem resurfaced. The Royals recalled him from the assignment last week for re-examination in Kansas City.

Recalling Ankiel permits the Royals to re-start his 20-day clock on his next rehab assignment. That suggests Ankiel might not be ready to return to active duty until after the All-Star break in mid-July.

"That could be," Moore admitted.

Ankiel's lingering quad injury follows his recovery from a sore right ankle that forced him to miss much of spring training."