KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 4 (UPI) -- First baseman Mike Sweeney of the Kansas City Royals will be sidelined longer than expected after suffering what has been called "a serious setback."
Sweeney, the Royals' top run producer, has been suffering with nerve irritation in the neck and back. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 19 and has missed 15 games.
"Mike woke up (Thursday) and had increased irritation in that neck region," said Kansas City trainer Nick Swartz. "He woke up, made a movement, felt a sharp sensation down the arm again like he felt about a week ago (on a swing). There's some associated disk that's obviously involved with nerve irritation. It's definitely a serious setback."
Sweeney, who as an All-Star in 2002 and is team captain, was batting.321 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI. He is eligible to return from the DL on Sunday.
