Sheffield's return uncertain

Apr 5, 2008 - 4:02 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield will remain out of the lineup until the swelling in his injured right ring finger subsides.

Sheffield, 39, missed Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox after tearing a tendon in the finger during Thursday's loss to Kansas City.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Friday that Sheffield will not be placed on the disabled list, but could not give a timetable for the slugger's return.

Sheffield, who suffered the injury while sliding head-first into second base, said he hopes to try swinging a bat by the end of the weekend.

"I feel OK," Sheffield said Saturday. "You don't need the tip of your finger, really, to hit. But right now, because of the swelling it's a little sore.

"But once we get the swelling down, it could be a day or two. I'm fortunate to be in this position and not in a worse position."

To straighten the finger, Sheffield will wear a splint off the field for about six weeks.

First baseman Carlos Guillen is expected to replace Sheffield's as the Tigers' No.3 hitter in the lineup.