Injury updates
Injuries to first baseman Mike Sweeney and outfielder Carlos Beltran again forced Pena to juggle his lineup in both games of the doubleheader.
Sweeney was available only as a pinch hitter because of tightness in his right hamstring. Beltran was the designated hitter in both games because of a sore right shoulder.
"You have to adjust," Pena said. "This gives other players a chance to play."
Ken Harvey, the regular DH, replaced Sweeney at first base. Michael Tucker again shifted from right field to take Beltran's spot in center. Desi Relaford played right in the opener; Dee Brown started the second game.
Sweeney plans to test his hamstring before tonight's game but could remain unavailable for full duty until next week.
Beltran tested his shoulder in pre-game throwing drills and could return tonight or Sunday to center field.
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The KC bullpen has a cumulative 10.03 ERA in the club's current 4-10 skid and has converted just two of its last 10 save opportunities.
That contrasts sharply with the bullpen's 1.68 ERA and 10-for-12 success in save chances in fueling a 16-3 start. All six relievers had ERAs of 2.57 or better in those 19 games.
Injuries to first baseman Mike Sweeney and outfielder Carlos Beltran again forced Pena to juggle his lineup in both games of the doubleheader.
Sweeney was available only as a pinch hitter because of tightness in his right hamstring. Beltran was the designated hitter in both games because of a sore right shoulder.
"You have to adjust," Pena said. "This gives other players a chance to play."
Ken Harvey, the regular DH, replaced Sweeney at first base. Michael Tucker again shifted from right field to take Beltran's spot in center. Desi Relaford played right in the opener; Dee Brown started the second game.
Sweeney plans to test his hamstring before tonight's game but could remain unavailable for full duty until next week.
Beltran tested his shoulder in pre-game throwing drills and could return tonight or Sunday to center field.
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The KC bullpen has a cumulative 10.03 ERA in the club's current 4-10 skid and has converted just two of its last 10 save opportunities.
That contrasts sharply with the bullpen's 1.68 ERA and 10-for-12 success in save chances in fueling a 16-3 start. All six relievers had ERAs of 2.57 or better in those 19 games.
