Kansas City, Mo. ? Mike Sweeney’s rehab assignment has been pushed back by the Kansas City Royals.

Sweeney, a five-time All-Star who has been on the disabled list since May 2 with a bulging disc in his back, was scheduled to report to Double-A Wichita today.

After taking batting practice and running the bases Sunday, Sweeney said those plans have been changed following a meeting with manager Buddy Bell.

“He still feels there’s a couple of things he wants to implement into my rehab program before I get back to playing,” Sweeney said. “He told me, ‘Mike, when you come back, I want you to come back good. I don’t want you to come back and play for a couple of weeks and have to go back (on DL) if you’re still injured. We’ll take a few more days and then get after it.”

Sweeney said he would go with the team to Cincinnati, where the Royals open a three-game series Tuesday. If he makes enough progress, he could be sent Friday to begin his rehab program.

Sweeney said he wasn’t disappointed about the decision to delay his assignment.

“Mentally I was prepared to play a game (Monday) night in Wichita and my wheels were turning,” Sweeney said. “When Buddy let me know, it was a little bit disheartening. After Buddy explained himself, I agreed 100 percent with him. I just want to get back on that field.”