Rockies’ Mark Sweeney optioned to Triple-A

DENVER – The Colorado Rockies optioned former University of Maine star Mark Sweeney to Triple-A Colorado Springs Sunday, two days after he had been designated for assignment.

On Friday, the Rockies simultaneously designated Sweeney for assignment, which removed him from the 40-man roster, and asked him to accept the optional assignment. Because he has more than five years of major league service, Sweeney could not be optioned without his consent.

Sweeney accepted the option Sunday, which restored him to the 40-man roster and canceled the move made two days earlier.

Sweeney, hitting .235 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 78 at-bats with Colorado, was expected to report to Colorado Springs on Monday.