Notes: Sweeney, Randa, Runelvys improving...

[tk13]

Looks like Sweeney, Randa and Runelvys are all making good strides....

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/NAS...=.jsp&c_id=kca

Notes: Sweeney home again
By Sandy Burgin / Special to MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- It looks and sounds like a happy homecoming for Mike Sweeney, who says, "I am pain-free for the first time in three weeks."

The Royals first baseman and four-time All-Star selectee, who has been sidelined for the last two weeks with nerve irritation in his neck and back, looked and sounded upbeat Wednesday. He was playing host to his 17-year-old brother Tim at Edison Field, near his hometown of Ontario, Calif.

"I feel like 100 bucks, I feel great," said Sweeney. "Four days ago I felt like chopped liver. I felt horrible. But I feel super now. I feel like it's time to let the horses start marching forward. Let's get ready to get me back on the field. I feel great, full speed ahead."

Sweeney had a cortisone shot in Los Angeles and visited a sports spine specialist. He's expected to go back for another exam on Thursday before the Royals leave for Texas.

"I'll probably do nothing until after the break, but it's all up in the air right now," said Sweeney. "I feel great. I am pain-free for the first time in three weeks, really. I'm so thankful because this thing has really been a thorn in my side.

"I'm so thankful that I'm feeling better," Sweeney said. "I prayed a lot the last few weeks and I'm glad God heard my prayers because I'm feeling great."

It was suggested by a reporter that with Sweeney returning after the All-Star break it would be like adding an All-Star first baseman.

"Yeah," said Sweeney, "it's like [general manager] Allard Baird making a big trade."

Sweeney has said that he will be at the All-Star Game even though he won't likely be playing.

Before Sweeney was sidelined he had hit in 12 straight games, going 18-for-46 (.391) with three home runs and 18 RBIs. On the season Sweeney is hitting .321 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs.

In addition to being optimistic about his health and his return, Sweeney was also beaming with great pride in having his 17-year-old brother with him in the Royals clubhouse.

"We want to get Tim on the field and let him play around the guys," Sweeney said. "We're going to take him down the cage and let him hit cause I'm proud of this boy here. He's now a young man and I'm so proud of him and want to spend as much time with him as I can.

"A lot of people don't understand when you play baseball you miss out on so much," Sweeney said. "You miss graduations, you miss baseball games. When I'm home in Anaheim, 20 minutes from Ontario, I want to spend as much time with my family as I can."


Randa out, Hernandez close: Third baseman Joe Randa was out of the lineup again last night with a muscle strain in his side, but is hopeful of returning sometime during this three-game series. ... Runelvys Hernandez, who has been on the DL with right elbow inflammation since May 17 is closest amongst recent Royals to coming off the DL according to Royals manager Tony Pena.

"He might pitch in Texas, but I can't guarantee that."

[Thig Lyfe]

That Runelvys looks good. Maybe he'll start soon.