Mets' Beltran will play for Brooklyn today
Photo credit: Getty Images | Carlos Beltran will play for the Brooklyn Cyclones Sept. 2.
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DENVER - The Mets insist that Carlos Beltran is not putting himself at risk, and the All-Star centerfielder wants to play, so that's why he'll be in the lineup Wednesday for Class A Brooklyn at KeySpan Park.
Beltran has been on the DL since June 22 with a bone bruise below his right knee and Monday's examination, including an MRI, showed that it had "significantly improved," according to assistant general manager John Ricco.
Two previous MRIs, the last one taken in early July, indicated a sizable bruise that had not decreased in a month's time. But Ricco stressed that Beltran has been "pain-free" long enough to convince the doctors he is capable of playing and is not in any imminent danger.
"He's not feeling any pain at all," Ricco said. "For the last couple weeks, he's been pushing it pretty hard, trying to reduce the pain that he had been feeling for over two weeks, and he's been pain free. So the examination [Monday] and the MRI really kind of confirmed what they had seen, that the injury improved to the point where we were willing to clear him to play."
Beltran is a cornerstone of the franchise, and with two years and $37 million left on his contract, he's a big investment, as well. So why bother coming back at all? Why not let him take the additional month's rest to be ready for 2010?
"Carlos feels pretty strongly about this," Ricco said. "The benefit of him getting back on the field and heading into the offseason, knowing where he is physically, I think that's the thought process here for both the club and him. From his perspective, he wanted to be able to get back out and have that peace of mind heading into the offseason."
Jerry Manuel estimated that Beltran would likely need three rehab games, a day off and then be re-evaluated before rejoining the Mets. As for Beltran's push to get back, Manuel believes it's a good thing "to get those questions out of the way" before spring training.
"I think it's good that our fans will see some of those guys out on the field," Manuel said. "I think that's a plus."
Extra basesJosh Thole, called up from Double-A Binghamton for last night's game, will start at catcher Thursday for Pat Misch . . . John Maine (shoulder) has been throwing live BP in Florida and Ricco said "he's moving toward a rehab assignment" if he's ready before the minor-league seasons end later this month.
