BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Marlins Near Deal for Sheffield

The Florida Marlins are reportedly on the verge of acquiring third baseman Gary Sheffield from the San Diego Padres for reliever Trevor Hoffman and two minor league prospects, according to the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post.

The Post quoted Sheffield’s agent, Jim Neader, as saying the trade is “all but official.” Neader said he was told of the trade by a Padres’ official after Wednesday’s game.

Marlin General Manager Dave Dombrowski told the Associated Press: “Nothing is imminent, but we will talk again (today).”

The Padres also obtained minor league infielder-outfielder Archi Cianfrocco from the Montreal Expos for right-hander Tim Scott. Cianfrocco was assigned to triple-A Las Vegas but could become San Diego’s next third baseman. Scott, 26, had been scheduled to make his first major league start tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. He appeared in 24 games for San Diego this season, all in relief, with a 2-0 record and a 2.39 ERA in 37 2/3 innings.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced contract extensions for Manager Jim Fregosi and General Manager Lee Thomas. Fregosi, whose contract would have expired at the end of the season, was extended through 1998. The first two years of the pact, reportedly for $500,000 per year, are guaranteed. Thomas, under contract through next season, was given a three-year extension through 1997.

Baltimore Oriole pitcher Mike Mussina has a mild case of biceps tendinitis, although he contends the injury will not keep him from making his next scheduled start Sunday. “The pain comes and goes whenever it feels like it,” Mussina said. “But I was encouraged how I felt (Wednesday night).”