kc note...

[IE]

Sweeney day-to-day

Mike Sweeney expects to play today after missing Sunday's game when his back tightened while taking some practice swings before the game.

"My back has been sore for the last week," he said, "but I've been playing with it. (Sunday) morning when I was getting ready to hit, it locked up.

"But I'll be fine. Hopefully (today) I'll be back."

Manager Tony Pena was a little more cautious, terming Sweeney's status as "day-to-day."

 

[IE]

The Royals still have not announced their starting pitcher for the second game of today's doubleheader against the Texas Rangers.

The secrecy enhances the possibility it will be Runleyvus Hernandez, who currently is assigned to Double-A Wichita where he is 8-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) after beginning the year at Class A Wilmington. He was in Kansas City on Friday to throw a bullpen session, and GM Allard Baird said recently that the 24-year-old right-hander is ready to be tested at the major league level.

If it is Hernandez, a roster move would be necessary and that wouldn't take place until between games.

The move could involve Dan Reichert, who was told last Wednesday he was being sent to Triple-A Omaha. But the next day the plan changed with Reichert staying and Cory Bailey designated for assignment when Ryan Bukvich was called up.