Young’s Abbreviated Season Will Now Carry a Footnote

Second baseman Eric Young will sit out the final 10 games because he suffered a broken foot in Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Dodger officials said Tuesday.

The veteran leadoff batter suffered multiple fractures while sliding awkwardly into second base in the first inning. He is expected to wear a removable cast for at least four weeks.

“Just another chapter in the story of the season,” Manager Glenn Hoffman said. “We’ve taken our lumps this year, we’ve all been tested, and we’ve had to make a lot of adjustments.

“E.Y. means a lot to this team, and even down to our last hope, he’s been a leader out there. You just knew the way he slid it didn’t look good.”

The injury occurred while Young was attempting to steal second. He had to be helped off the field by coach John Shelby and trainer Stan Johnston.

Young was too upset to speak with reporters Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

“It’s just a very difficult time when you’re dealing with something like this,” third baseman Bobby Bonilla said. “E.Y. is such an important part of this team, and he’s hurting now, but he’s the type of guy who you know will come back strong.”

Young--who signed a four-year, $18-million contract in the off-season--finished the season batting .285 with eight home runs, 43 runs batted in and a .355 on-base percentage. He is fourth in the National League with 42 stolen bases.

With Young sitting out the remainder of the season, outfielder Raul Mondesi is the only active player from the opening-day lineup.

The Dodgers called up second baseman Eric Metcalfe from double-A San Antonio to take Young’s spot on the expanded roster. In 57 games for the Missions, Metcalfe batted .282 with 19 stolen bases.

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Right fielder Gary Sheffield returned to Los Angeles to have his injured left ankle reexamined by a team physician Tuesday.

“I feel a lot better,” said Sheffield, who will also sit out the remainder of the season. “It’s still sore when I try to push off on it, but the doctor says everything is looking good.”

Sheffield, who had been in St. Petersburg handling personal matters, returned Monday and is expected to remain here until early next week. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on his sore right shoulder Friday.

“I just want to get everything taken care of so that I can start my [rehabilitation] program the right way,” Sheffield said. “I just want to make sure everything is right so I can get ready for next season.”

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Left-hander Mark Guthrie threw in the bullpen Tuesday and is expected to be available for the weekend series against San Francisco, Hoffman said. Guthrie had a sore throwing elbow.

TONIGHT

DODGERS’ BRIAN BOHANON (6-10, 2.81 ERA) vs. ROCKIES’ JAMEY WRIGHT (9-12, 5.69 ERA)

Site--Dodger Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

TV--Fox Sports West 2. Radio--AM 1150, KWKW (1330)

* Update--Bohanon is only 4-6 despite a 2.58 earned-run average in 12 starts with the Dodgers.