Rick Ankiel continues to make case for playing time

Astros outfielder Rick Ankiel homered off Stephen Strasburg during his three plate appearances against the Nationals on Saturday, continuing his bid to make the Astros this spring. Ankiel has 12 hits in 28 at-bats, including two home runs, and has hits in five of his last six games.

The Astros will likely be looking for offense in what figures to be a rebuilding year, and Ankiel could find his way into siginificant playing time in an outfield that is far from set.