Beltran Tested Left Knee In Right Field For The First Time
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Carlos Beltran played right field for five innings in a minor league game Saturday, seeing his first action in the field this spring as he overcomes tendinitis in his left knee.
"I was able to go out for five innings and I didn't feel anything so I feel good about it," Beltran said.
He has missed much of the spring due to the tendinitis, which developed as he favored the right knee that was surgically repaired in January 2010. The Mets are hoping he'll be ready for opening day on Friday.
Beltran fielded two balls, both extra base hits, and said he didn't feel any discomfort running in the outfield.
"A little bit different," said Beltran, who's making the switch from center to right. "Less activity than center for sure. I didn't get a chance to move really. I was able to go back and forward and I feel good about it."
Beltran went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts. Four of his five plate appearances came from the right side.
"Right now I'm not worried about hitting," he said. "The last thing I'm worried about is hitting. I'm more worried about where I am on my legs. Hitting will come."
Beltran said he's scheduled to play five innings in a minor league game Sunday, have an off-day Monday and play seven innings against the Washington Nationals in Viera on Tuesday.
