Sweeney says he's rejoining the Royals on Tuesday
Look for All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney to rejoin the Royals for Tuesday's series opener against the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.
"I'm in the airport on my way back to Kansas City," Sweeney said Sunday night from Colorado Springs, Colo. "I feel fine. There's no pain in my back. I'll be back for Tuesday's game."
Tuesday will mark exactly one month since Sweeney last appeared in the Royals' lineup. He has missed 30 games because of stiffness in his lower back, which later caused pain to his left hip.
The Royals were 14-16 without Sweeney despite winning their first eight without him. They have an open date today before the Yankees arrive for a three-game series.
"I don't have to tell you how much we've missed Sweeney," manager Tony Pena said. "You can answer that question for yourself."
Sweeney's return comes after just three games of a rehab assignment for Class AAA Omaha, Neb., including Sunday's game in Colorado. He was three for 12 with a double and a home run.
Before his injury, Sweeney had 16 homers and 49 RBIs in 84 games. His .355 average would lead the American League if he had sufficient at-bats to qualify for the batting title.
"He's ready to go," general manager Allard Baird said. "I'm scared that he's going to come in here and swing hard enough to blow everybody out of the stadium. He's that anxious to go."
Sweeney served as Omaha's designated hitter Friday and Saturday as a way of easing himself back into game action.
"But I played first base (Sunday)," he said. "I had no problems at all."
The Royals are expected to make an official announcement today concerning Sweeney's return as part of a series of personnel moves.
Look for All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney to rejoin the Royals for Tuesday's series opener against the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.
"I'm in the airport on my way back to Kansas City," Sweeney said Sunday night from Colorado Springs, Colo. "I feel fine. There's no pain in my back. I'll be back for Tuesday's game."
Tuesday will mark exactly one month since Sweeney last appeared in the Royals' lineup. He has missed 30 games because of stiffness in his lower back, which later caused pain to his left hip.
The Royals were 14-16 without Sweeney despite winning their first eight without him. They have an open date today before the Yankees arrive for a three-game series.
"I don't have to tell you how much we've missed Sweeney," manager Tony Pena said. "You can answer that question for yourself."
Sweeney's return comes after just three games of a rehab assignment for Class AAA Omaha, Neb., including Sunday's game in Colorado. He was three for 12 with a double and a home run.
Before his injury, Sweeney had 16 homers and 49 RBIs in 84 games. His .355 average would lead the American League if he had sufficient at-bats to qualify for the batting title.
"He's ready to go," general manager Allard Baird said. "I'm scared that he's going to come in here and swing hard enough to blow everybody out of the stadium. He's that anxious to go."
Sweeney served as Omaha's designated hitter Friday and Saturday as a way of easing himself back into game action.
"But I played first base (Sunday)," he said. "I had no problems at all."
The Royals are expected to make an official announcement today concerning Sweeney's return as part of a series of personnel moves.
