Beltran goes 2-for-6 in extended spring game
Mets Carlos Beltran hits a single and then scored on Jeff Francoeur's sacrifice fly. (Sept. 9, 2009) Credit: Kathy Kmonicek
Carlos Beltran played in his first game since offseason knee surgery, going 2-for-6 as the designated hitter Friday in an extended spring training game in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He did not run the bases. He batted three times lefthanded and three times righthanded. It was his first time facing live pitching since last Oct. 4. "Today's a good day," GM Omar Minaya said.
Beltran should continue in extended spring games, which basically are scrimmages. The team can control when he bats and whether he runs the bases. The Mets have said he should be able to return four to six weeks after he begins "baseball activities." But they were cautious not to give a timetable Friday. "There is no specific schedule," Minaya said. "The fact that he's out there playing in kind of a simulated game, it's great progress. We hope that he continues to improve."
