The Yankees had no doubt that Gary Sheffield’s left shoulder would be ready for the start of spring training. The All-Star right fielder yesterday showed the organization the hinge has recovered from off-season surgery.

Sheffield hit 35 balls off a batting tee yesterday at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa. It was his first hitting session since he underwent arthroscopic surgery on Nov. 30. Sheffield is slated to begin full batting practice on Feb. 22 when the Yankees hold their initial full-squad spring training workout.

“It felt OK,” Sheffield told the Associated Press. “I’m just getting the feel of it. They wanted to see where I’m at. I don’t think they want to rush me.”

GM Brian Cashman wasn’t surprised to see Sheffield hacking in early February.

“I am not worried about Sheffield at all,” Cashman said. “I am not looking at him as a concern. The shoulder surgery was minor, very successful and he had a great rehab. I am looking for Sheffield to be successful like last year and he will be in a better position.”

Sheffield battled a barking shoulder for most of last season and finished second to the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero in the AL MVP race. Sheffield batted .290 with 36 homers and 121 RBIs in his Yankee debut after signing a three-year, $39 million contract. There were times when Sheffield had to catch fly balls at his waist because the discomfort in the shoulder was so severe. The injury also hindered him at the plate, keeping him from driving balls to right-center and staying back on breaking pitches away.

“When you know that you can swing in all areas, then you become a more aggressive hitter,” Sheffield said. “You can handle more areas of the strike zone or out of the strike zone and not be one-dimensional.”