Alex Rodriguez showed off his power and made a mistake on defense, but the New York Yankees were more concerned with good news about Gary Sheffield.

The All-Star slugger got a thumb’s up from a hand specialist Tuesday and will return to spring training instead of having surgery to repair a torn ligament.

“Gary Sheffield is one tough cookie, an exceptional athlete and a leader with tremendous determination to win,” New York owner George Steinbrenner said. “He will be a big factor for the Yankees, and I applaud his courage.”

Sheffield, who reinjured his right thumb last weekend, was examined in New York by Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser. The right fielder immediately headed back to Tampa, Fla., and will resume playing later this week.

“We’re not out of the woods on this, don’t get me wrong,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “But today’s news was certainly more encouraging.”

Also encouraging was the two-run homer Rodriguez hit in a 10-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves. It was his first home run in a Yankees uniform.

However, A-Rod botched a popup near the mound, allowing Rafael Furcal to reach on an infield single.

“Those are the kinds of things I want to happen down in spring training,” said the former Gold Glove shortstop, who is making the move to third base with the Yankees. “I’ve been working hard on popups. It didn’t show on that play. Pretty sad.”

At the plate, the AL MVP sent a drive over the fence in right-center on the first pitch he saw from John Thomson, prompting cheers from the crowd of 10,253 at Legends Field.

Atlanta outfielder Dewayne Wise shows he made the catch after taking a tumble on a ball hit by the New York Yankees' Travis Lee. The Braves won, 10-6, Tuesday in Tampa, Fla

“These fans have a lot of energy,” Rodriguez said. “I know it goes to a whole ‘nother level at the Stadium. It’s great to hear them. They’re into it — seems like a lot more than we are.”

In other exhibition games:

Reds 3, Red Sox 2

At Fort Myers, Fla., Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling gave up a run each in 52/3 innings for the Red Sox, who managed just three hits against five Reds pitchers.

Expos 7, Dodgers 3

At Viera, Fla., Eric Gagne pitched a perfect inning in his spring debut, but Montreal rallied for six runs in the seventh.

Blue Jays 7, Tigers 7

At Lakeland, Fla., Tigers reliever Matt Anderson gave up four runs in the ninth inning. Chad Hermansen hit a two-run homer for the Blue Jays.

Astros 14, Indians 3

At Winter Haven, Fla., Craig Biggio had four hits, Adam Everett drove in four runs and Houston handed Cleveland its first loss of spring training.

Pirates 5, Devil Rays 1

At Bradenton, Fla., Craig Wilson’s three-run homer off Damian Moss in the first inning backed the strong pitching of Oliver Perez.

Phillies 4, Twins 3

At Clearwater, Fla., Lou Collier’s two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth won it.

Marlins 9, Mets 3

At Port St. Lucie, Fla., Hee Seop Choi and Wil Cordero hit consecutive home runs and Florida won its fifth straight.

Cardinals 4, Orioles 2, (10)

At Jupiter, Fla., Sidney Ponson allowed one run in four innings for Baltimore, but Mark Quinn’s 10th-inning homer gave St. Louis its first victory.

Mariners 6, Rangers 2

At Peoria, Ariz., Gil Meche, Ron Villone and Clint Nageotte combined to allow one hit through seven innings, and Bucky Jacobsen homered for Seattle.

Athletics 16, Padres 10

At Phoenix, Bobby Crosby homered twice in the first inning, including a grand slam. It was the second outburst in four days for the Athletics, who beat Anaheim, 26-3, Saturday. Crosby, Miguel Tejada’s replacement at shortstop, hit both homers off losing pitcher Adam Eaton and is batting .467 (7-for-15) this spring. Eric Chavez, Mark Kotsay and Marco Scutaro also homered for the A’s.

Angels 10, Diamondbacks 3

At Tucson, Ariz., Chone Figgins hit a three-run homer, helping Anaheim score nine times in the last three innings. Richie Sexson singled for his first hit with the Diamondbacks.

Brewers 7, Giants 5

At Phoenix, Junior Spivey homered off a struggling Jason Schmidt, and Chris Capuano threw three scoreless innings for Milwaukee.

Rockies 11, White Sox 4

At Tucson, Ariz., Matt Holliday went 5-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored to lead Colorado.