"The return of center fielder Rick Ankiel to the Royals' lineup is back on hold because of renewed soreness in his troublesome right ankle.

That's only one piece of troubling injury news as the Royals move toward their season opener April 5 against Detroit at Kauffman Stadium. Club officials also remain anxious in tracking the status of infielder Alberto Callaspo and pitcher Gil Meche.

Ankiel's latest problem represents an undeniable setback. He was scratched Saturday from duties as the designated hitter against Oakland in what would have been his first action in a Cactus League game since March 11.

"He came out a little bit sooner than we'd hoped (Friday in a minor-league game)," manager Trey Hillman said, "because he felt it a little bit. In the (batting) cage this morning, he felt it again."

Concerns regarding Ankiel are mounting over what club officials have consistently categorized as a minor ailment. Mitch Maier and Willie Bloomquist project as the likely alternatives in center field if Ankiel remains unavailable.

The status of Callaspo, the projected No. 3 hitter, is also uncertain following his removal from Friday's lineup against the Dodgers after experiencing discomfort in his right side during batting practice."