Cards' Ankiel carted off field after slamming into wall

ST. LOUIS -- Rick Ankiel has been carted off the field with his head and neck immobilized after the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder slammed headfirst into the fence following a running catch.

Ankiel chased down Pedro Feliz's long drive in the eighth inning of Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies but couldn't stop himself from crashing into the padded center-field wall.

The converted pitcher took 2ˆ½ off-balance steps after making the catch and had the presence of mind to take the ball out of his glove before attempting to brace himself with his left arm. Still, his head appeared to absorb most of the blow when he slammed into the fence.

Ankiel stayed flat on his back for several minutes as teammates gathered around him, and the game was delayed about 15 minutes as a hush fell over Busch Stadium.

Ankiel was placed in a neck brace and strapped to a gurney before being carted off the field accompanied by team physician Dr. George Paletta and trainer Barry Weinberg. As he was wheeled off the field, Ankiel flashed a thumbs-up sign.