"Outfielder Gary Sheffield remained out of the Mets' starting lineup Sunday with soreness in his right hamstring. Manager Jerry Manuel said he is hoping Sheffield can return Monday or Tuesday against Washington.

In the meantime, the Mets will have to get by with just three position players on their bench. They could release Tim Redding to make room for another position player, but if they don't, Manuel said he could use Livan Hernandez as a pinch hitter or a corner infielder if he runs out of options on the bench.

Hernandez is a .229 career hitter, pretty good for a pitcher. But Hernandez at first base? Apparently Manuel was being serious."