"Jerry Manuel plans to proceed with Gary Sheffield making his first start as a Met Wednesday in right field, after Tuesday's off-day. But in an apparent acknowledgment to regular right fielder Ryan Church's solid beginning to the season, the manager suggested Sheffield's second outfield appearance would be in left field in place of Daniel Murphy.

Sheffield's second start could come in Friday's series opener against Milwaukee, although Manuel didn't want to commit this soon. The manager did indicate that he'd leave Church, the more accomplished fielder, in right and move Sheffield to left when they're starting together.

Sheffield, who didn't even pick up a glove in spring training with the Tigers because he figured to DH, continued to do early work in right field Monday, but hasn't worked out in left. No matter, according to Manuel.

"I do think right is tougher than left field. At any park," Manuel said Monday.

As for whether Sheffield is ready to play the outfield at all, the manager added: "I think the game of baseball, you can practice and practice and practice, but eventually you have to play and get on the field.""