LAKELAND, Fla. — Gary Sheffield’s next home run will be his 500th in the major leagues.
The question is: What uniform will he be wearing when he hits it? The Tigers released the nine-time all-star Tuesday, leaving him without a team as he closes in on becoming the 25th player to reach the milestone. The World Series champion Phillies, however, quickly called the slugger to see if there was a fit.
“I wouldn’t say I’m shocked, but I am surprised,” Sheffield said. “To do this when somebody is one home run away . . . I don’t know how to react to it.
“Jim (Leyland) said, ‘We’re going to go with versatility.’ When he said that word I thought to myself, ‘I’m probably the most athletic guy on this team.’ But they’re entitled to their opinion.”
Sheffield, 40, hit .178 in 18 spring training games this year. The designated hitter had eight hits, including five home runs, in 45 at-bats.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team talked to Sheffield and his agent. Raul Ibañez, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth start in the outfield, and the Phillies aren’t sure whether Sheffield would agree to be a backup.
“We do not have a gauge,” Amaro said. “We had a private conversation and we’ll keep it private.”
Any team can sign Sheffield for the $400,000 minimum, with Detroit paying the rest of his $14 million salary.
Leyland, the Tigers manager, said he had a hard time sleeping Monday night, knowing he was going to release Sheffield.
“I lit two Marlboros at the same time,” Leyland said. “I couldn’t sleep. But I feel better that it’s over with than I did at 3 in the morning.”
Shoulder and assorted other injuries — and perhaps age — limited Sheffield to 114 games and a .225 average last year.
