Sheffield drug use is cited

Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield injected testosterone and human growth hormone in January 2002, according to the latest revelations in ''Game of Shadows," a book written by two San Francisco Chronicle reporters.

Excerpts from the book appeared earlier this month in Sports Illustrated, giving graphic detail of Barry Bonds's alleged use of a vast array of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone. The book by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams is scheduled for release today.

Sheffield, who in 2003 reportedly admitted to a federal grand jury to unknowingly having used a steroid cream, also sought to maintain a relationship with Bonds's trainer Greg Anderson after Bonds and Sheffield had a falling out in 2002, according to the book's authors. Anderson was among four convicted in the BALCO steroid distribution scandal.

Yesterday in Tampa, Sheffield denied using the drugs mentioned in the book.

''What can I do? I'm not going to defend myself my whole life," he said. ''It doesn't matter to me. I don't have anything to say. No need to. It is what it is."

Alfonso Soriano's only chance in left field was a reminder of the good old days, before the Washington Nationals finally persuaded him to change positions.

Soriano jogged in a few steps to catch a routine fly ball by Albert Pujols, then threw to second base to double off David Eckstein.

''I never think I'm going to make a double play in the outfield," Soriano said. ''But I did it."

Soriano agreed to make the move from second base only two days after refusing to take his new spot in the outfield. The Nationals had a day off Tuesday, giving him time to accept the switch.

''It's a relief for everybody, it really is," manager Frank Robinson said before the game. ''We get the distractions away from here and we can focus on baseball now and getting this ball club tuned up and ready to go for Opening Day."

New York Mets ace Pedro Martínez expects to miss Opening Day because of a nagging toe injury. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has not pitched in a spring training game yet due to a sore right big toe and doesn't think he will be ready to start the season opener April 3 against the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium . . . Dwight Gooden admitted in a Tampa court that he violated his probation by using cocaine and likely faces prison time when he is sentenced next month. He will remain in jail until then and faces up to five years in prison.