Tuesday, April 20, 1999

Tucker or Sweeney on way out

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BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        When Stan Belinda returns this week, either Mark Sweeney or Michael Tucker could be shipped out.

        General Manager Jim Bowden said Monday that reliever Belinda, whose ailing shoulder has been mending, could be activated from the disabled list by the end of the week.

        “We really need to go to 11 pitchers,” Bowden said, prescribing an increase from the current 10-man staff.

        That means a position player with minor-league options remaining will have to go. Only two Reds fit that description: first baseman-outfielder Sweeney and outfielder Tucker.

        Neither has done anything to warrant a demotion to Triple-A Indianapolis. Sweeney, used exclusively as a pinch-hitter, has belted a three-run homer and a double in three at-bats. Tucker is hitting .333 (3-for-9), including 3-for-6 as a pinch-hitter.

       

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