ST. LOUIS — Outfielder Rick Ankiel has been released from a St. Louis-area hospital and a St. Louis Cardinals official said everything is “positive” for the center fielder who crashed into the wall while making a catch late in Monday night’s game.

“Right now things are positive,” general manager John Mozeliak confirmed this morning.

He added that the team will have a more detailed update this afternoon. Ankiel is expected to be at Busch Stadium this evening as the Cardinals conclude their two-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The center fielder’s short-term availability will be more clear later today, though it’s possible the Cardinals will consider adding a position player to what already was a short bench. Shortstop Khalil Greene, out all weekend with a sore forearm, said he expected to be available to play for tonight’s game.

After his running catch of a line drive in deep left-center field, Ankiel stumbled and rammed into the outfield wall. He responded to questions from teammates and doctors but remained motionless on the warning track until moving his limbs when asked. X-Rays and a CT Scan taken at Missouri Baptist late Monday night showed there were no fractures in his head, neck and back. Manager Tony La Russa likened the potential injury to “whiplash.”

Here is the original game story coverage of Ankiel’s injury. Check back this afternoon for the latest.

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