BALTIMORE – There was good news yesterday on the Mariano Rivera injury front.
But Gary Sheffield remains a big question, as the Yankees won’t know for at least two weeks if his left wrist will require surgery for a torn ligament and a dislocated tendon.
Sheffield is on the DL, and Yankee GM Brian Cashman figures to step up his efforts to trade for a possible replacement.
Rivera’s back improved from Thursday to last night, although not enough for him to be available to work in last night’s 6-5 win over the Orioles.
“I am saying no for [today] at this point,” manager Joe Torre said of Rivera’s availability. “But he is feeling a lot better.”
Since Rivera’s problem is due to spasms, the Yankees eventually will get their All-World closer back, possibly by tomorrow, although that is a longshot.
Rivera received heat treatment and muscle-relaxing medication for spasms that surfaced when he bent to tie a sneaker.
Following a very uncomfortable flight from Detroit, Rivera awoke yesterday in better shape.
“Don’t mention it to me,” Rivera said of the 90-minute flight. “But I felt better this morning. I got up and stretched and walked around.
“Right now I am 90 percent.”
Rivera quickly dismissed any thoughts that the three-inning stint he put in Tuesday had anything to do with the back locking up.
“No, I threw fewer pitches [25] than I do sometimes in one inning,” Rivera said. “The doctor said it can happen sneezing.”
Meanwhile, Sheffield’s iffy situation has Cashman on the lookout in case the outfielder’s absence is protracted.
“I know Brian is out there looking for something that could help us in the outfield,” Torre said.
Sheffield saw Dr. Charles Melone yesterday and will receive his therapy from Melone, who put the wrist in a splint.
While the Yankees have been pleasantly surprised by Melky Cabrera as Hideki Matsui’s replacement in left field, the signs aren’t as encouraging in right, where Torre has Terrence Long, Bernie Williams and the recently called-up Kevin Thompson at his disposal.
That’s why the baseball universe expects Cashman to go hard after an outfielder if Sheffield needs surgery.
And there will be quality available.
The Phillies will listen to offers for Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell. Milwaukee’s Carlos Lee, K.C.’s Reggie Sanders, Oakland’s Jay Payton and Bobby Kielty, Pittsburgh’s Craig Wilson and San Diego’s Dave Roberts could be available.
As could San Francisco’s Pedro Feliz, Toronto’s Frank Catalanotto and Washington’s Jose Guillen.
george.king@nypost.com