Beltran returns to Mets' lineup

The discomfort wasn't completely gone from Carlos Beltran's left knee Sunday, but he reported improvement from a day earlier.

So Beltran returned to the lineup after a one-game absence, which is something that likely will happen more regularly in these final weeks to help him treat the tendinitis in his good knee.

"It's not enough," Beltran said of his one-day rest, "but what can I do?"

Beltran isn't concerned about the long-term health of his left knee, saying doctors told him to expect this when he had surgery on his right knee in January.

He said his left knee started feeling sore when he started playing minor-league games last spring because he was compensating for the rehabbing knee, and the discomfort hasn't really gone away.

"I've played with this before, so I know what works," Beltran said. "I know my body. I know how I am. It's not a big deal. I'm not worried about it."

No limit for Gee

Just 14 months removed from shoulder surgery, Dillon Gee already has thrown 1681/3 innings this season. But manager Jerry Manuel said the Mets don't plan to limit his innings this month.

"We've had some discussions about that, and unless we see a significant drop in velocity or stuff like that, we're going to continue to pitch him," Manuel said.

Gee makes his second start for the Mets tonight against the Pirates. He allowed one run in seven innings in his major-league debut last week, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Manuel said the next step in evaluating Gee is to see how he handles a difficult situation. "Hopefully, he doesn't have to do that while I'm watching,'' Manuel said with a laugh, "because I'm tired of seeing trouble.''

Isles to take BP

Rick DiPietro and Doug Weight are among a group of Islanders scheduled to visit Citi Field Tuesday afternoon to take early batting practice.