Sheffield Refocuses On Game

Gary Sheffield is progressing on and off the field, working to overcome pain in his throwing shoulder, and heartache.

The Dodger all-star outfielder said Saturday that his surgically repaired right shoulder has improved so much that he plans to start in left field today against the Montreal Expos at Dodgertown. Moreover, Sheffield said the tumultuous custody battle over his 5-year-old son, Gary Jr., will soon be resolved.

Sheffield is finally focusing on baseball again.

“My mental focus really hasn’t been there,” he said softly as he reflected on the fallout from comments he made this month about strongly considering retiring because of chronic pain in his shoulder and scrutiny about his standing in the organization. “The things going on around me made thinking about baseball real difficult. I know the public doesn’t want to hear that, they look at it as complaining, but I don’t regret anything I said because that’s the way I felt.

“If anybody asks me my opinion, I’ll give them an honest answer, and accept the consequences. I’m a human being and I feel pain too, and that’s just reality. But everything is going much better now. I’m just trying to fight through all of this and get back to playing the game.”

Sheffield said he did not experience shoulder discomfort Saturday during throwing drills and batting practice. Sheffield, who also plans to play Monday against the Kansas City Royals, wasn’t expected to return to the lineup for some time. But he said he’s almost ready to play every day.

“I need a couple of [at-bats today] to start to get my timing down, and then I want to test my shoulder in back-to-back games,” said Sheffield, whose shoulder pain has decreased because of cortisone injections and therapy. “I want to get four [at-bats] to really get it going, so I’ll start playing nine [innings] after the off-day [Tuesday].”

Sheffield has been embroiled in an ongoing custody situation that has darkened his mood. But that cloud appears to be lifting as well.

“My son is one of the most important people in the world to me, and that’s more important than anything in this game,” he said. “Hopefully, I think everything will be worked out.”

Dodger officials have rallied around Sheffield, offering support and counseling. He said he especially appreciates the efforts of President Bob Graziano, General Manager Kevin Malone and Manager Davey Johnson.

“Kevin is a spiritual person, a good Christian man, and we’ve talked a lot about the Bible and about how the Lord guides us,” Sheffield said. “I know that management here is behind me, and it hasn’t always been like that other places I’ve been. They just want me to stop being so hard on myself with everything. I’m working on it.”

Dodger Notes

The Dodgers are strongly considering including three catchers on the opening day roster because of Todd Hundley’s elbow problems. Hundley, who said his throwing elbow felt fine after workouts Saturday, might play behind the plate for the first time Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians at Dodgertown. . . . Infielder Juan Castro has one option left, enabling the Dodgers to send him to triple-A Albuquerque, without clearing waivers, if he fails to make the team. . . . The Baltimore Orioles turned five double plays Saturday in defeating the Dodgers, 3-2, at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Right-hander Darren Dreifort had his best outing, giving up three hits in four scoreless innings. Dreifort struck out two and walked three.