Sheffield Is Named in Paternity Suit

Outfielder Gary Sheffield has been named in a paternity suit filed in Florida, the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel reported in today’s editions.

The suit, filed March 5 in Broward County Court, alleges that Sheffield fathered Garrett Wan-Dre Sheffield, born Jan. 13 to Wandra Y. Carey. Carey, a resident of Pembroke Pines, alleges she and Sheffield, who formerly played for the Florida Marlins, conceived the child last spring.

According to the suit, Carey is seeking child support, and medical and life insurance for the child. Carey also claims to be “in need of immediate financial assistance” to care for the child.

Sheffield was traveling from Dodgertown in Vero Beach to his off-season home in St. Petersburg on Monday and was unavailable for comment.

Attempts to contact an Atlanta-based lawyer handling the case for Sheffield were unsuccessful.

Dodger spokesman Brent Shyer said the club was unaware of any such situation, adding, “ . . . it’s not appropriate for us to comment on a player’s personal matters.”

Sheffield had an infield single in two at-bats Monday in a 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Dodgertown.

The team has a day off today and Sheffield is expected to return to Vero Beach tonight.

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Catcher Todd Hundley, who had hoped to work behind the plate for the first time Wednesday against the Cleveland Indians at Dodgertown, is now expected to play “at the latter part of this week,” Manager Davey Johnson said. Hundley has experienced pain in his surgically repaired throwing elbow.

Outfielder Raul Mondesi and coach Manny Mota were excused to return to their native Dominican Republic to attend to personal matters. They are expected back tonight.