From JOEL SHERMAN

The Mets have signedGary Sheffield with an eye on giving him significant playing time, according to two people involved in the talks. The signing is contingent on a physical, but Sheffield is expected to join the team tomorrow and could be on Monday’s Opening Day roster. Sheffield, 40, agreed to a one-year deal worth the minimum $400,000 after being released by the Tigers earlier this week. Detroit is paying the remaining $13.6 million of Sheffield’s guaranteed $14 million contract this season.

Jerry Manuel said he planned to use Sheffield primarily in right field, which means less playing time for Ryan Church. Manuel, however, added that Sheffield will need some time to get into outfield playing shape after spending the past two years as a DH.

Sheffield, who is returning to New York after a celebrated stint with the Yankees earlier this decade, has 499 career homers.