Gary Sheffield Injured: Gets Cortisone Shot, Won't Play Against St. Louis

NEW YORK (AP) -- Gary Sheffield has been given a cortisone shot behind his right knee and is out of the depleted New York Mets' lineup for the third straight game.

Sheffield was given the shot Wednesday before the game against St. Louis, and the Mets said the slugging outfielder will likely be out until Friday. Manager Jerry Manuel said that Sheffield was available to pinch hit in an emergency.

To add a position player to a bench that has shrunk considerably with Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Carlos Degaldo sidelined, New York purchased the contract of infielder Argenis Reyes from Triple-A Buffalo and designated left-hander Jon Switzer for assignment.