Detroit ? The Yankees placed outfielder Gary Sheffield on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, and All-Star closer Mariano Rivera became the latest ailing player for New York.

Rivera hurt his back early on Thursday, and the Yankees said he wouldn’t be available for their game against the Tigers.

“He had one shoe on, and when he went to put the left shoe on, something spasmed,” Torre said before Thursday’s game against Detroit. “It’s something new every day.”

Sheffield had been bothered by a wrist injury since an April collision with Toronto’s Shea Hillenbrand, and he aggravated it earlier this week.

Tests showed a torn ligament in the wrist, as well as a tendon that continues to dislocate. He will be placed in a splint and undergo physical therapy.

“Well, that sounds like it might be awhile,” said manager Joe Torre, who heard the results along with the media during batting practice.

Sheffield missed 16 games in early May because of the wrist injury and was on the 15-day disabled list from May 6 to May 23.

Sheffield was replaced on the active roster by outfielder Kevin Thompson. Thompson hit .383 for New York in spring training, and was hitting .288 in 36 games for Triple-A Columbus.

“He’ll get to play some off the bench,” Torre said. “He’s got tools.”

The Yankees also were without captain Derek Jeter for the second straight game because of a sore right palm.