Sheffield Is Still Seeking Explanation for Sore Finger

Gary Sheffield revealed Friday that his injured finger has not healed, and he has undergone tests that ruled out ligament damage.

The all-star left fielder was sidelined for four games (April 26-29) because of what was diagnosed as a strained left index finger; the injury occurred while he fielded ground balls during a pregame workout April 25.

X-rays of Sheffield’s finger were negative, but swelling around the middle joint has increased. He said he is considering an MRI exam.

“It’s getting worse,” said Sheffield, who has remained in the lineup and been the club’s most productive hitter despite his pain.

“I feel like I can pick up the bat and swing the bat, but anything I hit off the end is going to kill me. I can’t even tie my shoe. I can’t bend it [his finger]. It’s like a real sharp pain right there on that joint.”

So how has Sheffield been so productive?

“That’s why I told you guys [reporters] I don’t know how,” said Sheffield, batting .303 with 11 home runs and 24 runs batted in, but hitless in 16 at-bats on the trip.

“I haven’t really been setting up counts, I haven’t really been laying off tough pitches. With four fingers you can’t hold out.”

Sheffield is determined to remain in the lineup because of his importance to the team.

“I feel I can make a difference no matter what when I’m in the lineup,” Sheffield said. “That’s why I want to catch it right now and find out if there’s really something in there, or if it just hasn’t had enough time to heal because I play every day.”

Sheffield said staying in the lineup is his responsibility to the organization.

“I know I have to be in there and I have to be able to suck up injuries,” he said. “So do other players.”

Chairman Bob Daly and interim General Manager Dave Wallace were on the field at Shea Stadium before the New York Mets’ 8-0 victory--and so was a candidate for the Dodger general manager post.

Jim Duquette, a Met assistant general manager and the top lieutenant of General Manager Steve Phillips, is expected to receive strong consideration once the search process moves to the interview stage.

Duquette is considered the heir apparent to Phillips, expected to eventually be given total control of the organization, and the Mets have said they would not grant Duquette permission to speak with the Dodgers.

However, several baseball sources said the door is still ajar, and Phillips hinted similarly.

“We haven’t been asked [for permission], and it really wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on what sort of decision we would make,” Phillips said. “I will say that we value Jim in the organization, so we’ll evaluate those requests as they come.”

Starter Andy Ashby (right elbow strain) will join the club for the final series of the trip against the Colorado Rockies.

There is still no timetable for Ashby’s return, but Manager Jim Tracy said the right-hander probably will go on a rehabilitation assignment because he has been on the disabled list since April 18 (retroactive to April 16).

Under the terms of Ashby’s limited no-trade clause, the Dodgers cannot trade Ashby this season.

However, Ashby can block deals with only five clubs for the remainder of his three-year, $22.5-million contract.

Luke Prokopec or Eric Gagne might go to the bullpen when Ashby returns.

Catcher Paul Lo Duca (strained left oblique muscle) began a rehabilitation assignment with triple-A Las Vegas.

TODAY

DODGERS’ LUKE PROKOPEC

(4-1, 3.93 ERA)

vs.

METS’ KEVIN APPIER

(2-4, 5.61 ERA)

Shea Stadium, 10 a.m. PDT

TV--Channel 5. Radio--KXTA (1150), KWKW (1330).

Update--Prokopec, who has four quality starts in six overall, is making his first career appearance against the Mets. Appier is struggling in the first year of a four-year, $42-million contract.