The Royals lone All-Star isn’t expected back in the lineup anytime soon. Mike Sweeney hasn’t seen action since July 13th and it could be a while before he returns. The team hopes to send Sweeney on a rehab assignment in about a week. Sweeney’s been hobbled by a sore back which has led to pain in his hip as well. Tony Pena thinks it’ll take Sweeney at least two weeks of rehab to return, which could leave him out of the Royals lineup for another three weeks. He’s leading the league in hitting by default with a .355 average. Ichiro Suzuki’s hitting .352.
