Thumb Injury Sidelines Sheffield

Florida Marlin outfielder Gary Sheffield, who recently signed a $61 million contract extension, was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a sprained left thumb.

The Marlins recalled outfielder Billy McMillon from triple-A Charlotte.

Sheffield injured his left thumb Tuesday in Atlanta when he dove for Michael Tucker’s fly ball. Sheffield’s injury was reevaluated Thursday. His thumb was placed in a removable splint. Sheffield is the fifth Marlins player to go on the disabled list this season.

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Pittsburgh shortstop Kevin Elster became the second Pirate starter to get injured in as many nights when he broke his left wrist Friday against the Florida Marlins.

Elster is expected to be out six to eight weeks.

Thursday, center fielder Jermaine Allensworth broke his left hand and will be out four to six weeks.

Elster, who leads the Pirates with seven homers and 25 RBIs, was trying to beat out a bunt when he collided into second baseman Kurt Abbott behind the first base bag.

The Pirates had signed Elster to a $1.65 million contract over the winter.

Houston Astro starting center fielder Derek Bell was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a hematoma in his left calf muscle. He is expected to be sidelined three to four weeks.. . . Chicago second baseman Ryne Sandberg left the Cubs game against the San Diego Padres after four innings with a sore left groin. His status is day-to-day. Cubs first baseman Mark Grace, who received his 1997 Golden Glove Award before the Padres’ game, extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single in the first.. . . San Diego outfielder Tony Gwynn needs three home runs to reach 100 in his career.