Kansas City placed Mike Sweeney on the disabled list June 26th because of back and neck pain. Sweeney left the Royals' May 18th game against Minnesota in the third inning after an awkward swing on a strikeout irritated an already sore back. While Sweeney wasn't able to identify the origin of his injury, reports have indicated the good-natured backslapping he received after hitting a three run homer on the 16th may have initiated the problem.

The Royals initially believed he was merely suffering from some muscle stiffness and would be able to rejoin the lineup after some rest, though Sweeney found it difficult to sit back and allegedly could be found warming up pitchers during Kansas City's games in St. Louis. An MRI preceding his placement on the disabled list displayed irritation in the nerve where the back and neck come together, causing the Royals to view his condition more seriously.

After a few days of slow improvement, he awoke Thursday with increased irritation. He's now set to receive a cortisone injection and visit a specialist. Kansas City hopes to have him back after the All-Star break, however someone else will have to represent the Royals on the AL team. Carlos Beltran and Mike MacDougal are the logical alternatives.