"In one sense, Gary Sheffield said he was surprised that he was not starting Sunday. Coming off the disabled list, Sheffield said he expected to play immediately. But in another sense, Sheffield sort of expected this. He and 1:10 p.m. start times do not mix well.

"I don't really like day games," Sheffield said. "I've made that very clear all my career."

Manager Jerry Manuel received the message but left Sheffield on the bench for another reason. In Sheffield's absence, Manuel had liked the way the Mets' lineup - Cory Sullivan in left field and Daniel Murphy batting cleanup - was producing against right-handed starters. The day after the Mets scored nine runs, Manuel was not about to make changes to accommodate Sheffield. Manuel said Sheffield, who pinch hit for Mike Pelfrey in the fifth and stayed in the game in left, would probably start Monday night.

"He'll have to get some reps in left field," Manuel said. "He's still our leading home run hitter, so we've got to get him in there.""