ATLANTA - Deion Sanders rejoined his baseball teammates Friday, a day after he visited with Dallas Cowboys doctors, teammates and media members. Deion's is a hectic world.
Still sore and uncomfortable with the bulging disk in his back, Sanders said it is doubtful that he would play in this weekend's series against the Atlanta Braves, another band of former teammates.
It seems likely that the pain in his back is exacerbated by swinging the bat, according to Sanders, who hasn't played since Saturday. His goal is to be in the Reds' lineup by Monday, when the club begins a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
"I'm not going to play until I feel like I can play without damaging myself," said Sanders, whose football season is supposed to begin Aug. 31 in Pittsburgh. "Right now, I'm no use to either party, either team."
He received a second injection on Tuesday. There has been no discussion of a third.
They're never happy
Sanders was disappointed by the line of questioning during Thursday's press conference, held at the Cowboys' training camp at St. Edward's University.
According to Sanders, the Dallas media had a difficult time understanding his leap into Christianity.
"There's going to be doubters," Sanders said. "But you would think that with all the problems we've had with the Cowboys . . . this would be accepted."
Smile, you're on ...
Brett Tomko, today's starting pitcher, agreed to allow Fox to outfit his catcher with small cameras on his mask.
Is Mac back?
The Reds and interim manager Jack McKeon have not yet made a determination on whether McKeon will return next season.
One thing to consider: A new manager likely would prefer to hire his coaching staff, and four Reds coaches - first base coach Ron Oester, bench coach Denis Menke, hitting instructor Ken Griffey and pitching coach Don Gullett - are under contract for next season.
On the mend
Dave Burba, on the disabled list while recovering from lower-back spasms, threw a 57-pitch simulated game Friday afternoon and reported no pain. He could come off the disabled list early next week, according to Gullett.
Merck's back
The Reds announced Wednesday that left-hander Kent Mercker has a bulging disk in his back. Mercker said Friday that it's not true.
Though Mercker did have an injection, he said the soreness stems from an injury he had 12 years ago, and that Reds team physician Dr. Tim Kremchek told him it was not a bulging disk.
"I'm just mad right now," Mercker said, "because it's not the truth."
Early scouting report
Eduardo Perez noted a photograph of himself in Friday's Enquirer, in which he was 4 years old and participating in a father-son game with his father, Tony.
In the photo, young Eduardo - No. 24, of course - is swinging through a ball that appears to be passing just under his chin.
"They knew where to pitch me even as a kid," said Eduardo.
Today's Report
BRAVES 6, REDS 2
BOX, RUNS
ALLEN VISITS ATLANTA SEEKING STADIUM IDEAS
PORTUNE WANTS CONSULTANT TO PICK STADIUM SITE
REDS PAGE
USA TODAY BASEBALL PAGE
