Beltran to hit cleanup when he returns

Carlos Beltran will hit cleanup when he returns to the Mets' lineup after the All-Star break, manager Jerry Manuel said Saturday. "I still see him as a presence," Manuel said, "and I think because of his history, he has to be respected."

Ike Davis has batted cleanup in his last 47 starts and has given the Mets a power presence. But he has struggled lately, hitting .186 (11-for-59) in his last 16 games, so a drop in the lineup - presumably to the six-spot behind Jason Bay - might not be the worst thing for the rookie.

Beltran, who has missed all season after knee surgery in January, has gone 18-for-49 (.367) with five doubles in 14 games through Friday in his rehab assignment with Class A St. Lucie (Fla.). He is scheduled to join the Mets on Thursday when they open the second half in San Francisco.

Beltran's presence gives Manuel four outfielders for three spots, and the manager said he plans to meet with them every few days about playing time. "I just don't want those guys coming in every day kind of looking to see if they're in the lineup," Manuel said. "I want them to know when they're playing."

Ollie's return

Oliver Perez (right knee) will make his third rehab start , his first for Triple-A Buffalo. Manuel said Perez will make at least two more starts in the minors before the Mets think about activating him.

Manuel said Perez might return as a starting pitcher, depending on how the current starters are doing and how well Perez pitches in the minors.

The current fifth starter, Hisanori Takahashi, pitched in relief Saturday, but Manuel said he will return to the rotation July 19 in Arizona.

Trainer's room

Luis Castillo (right heel) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Class A St. Lucie. John Maine (right shoulder) and Sean Green (rib cage) will pitch to live hitters this week. Jenrry Mejia (shoulder) is pain-free, Manuel said, but he's still not throwing off a mound.