Mets baseball blog

Beltran looks to start on opening day

 Carlos Beltran is expected to make his first Opening Day start since 2009 after general manager Sandy Alderson announced Monday that it was time to "roll the dice" with the club's converted rightfielder.

Alderson and manager Terry Collins spoke with Beltran before Monday's game at Digital Domain Park was rained out, and the group decided he would make his first Grapefruit League appearance since March 6 on Tuesday against the Nationals in Viera.

That was a significant step for two reasons. The decision means the Mets are now planning to start Beltran in rightfield on Friday, barring any further injuries. It also means that as soon as he plays on Tuesday, the Mets lose the safety net of backdating him on the disabled list for the maximum 10 days. (Newsday)

 

Beltran palys OF

 As simulated games go, the one Carlos Beltran participated in Thursday on Field 7 was a step above PlayStation.

Terry Collins pitched to him. Mookie Wilson hit him fly balls in rightfield, where Beltran warmed up by playing catch with one of J.P. Ricciardi's sons. And there's this: Mets PR guru Jay Horwitz, outfitted in khakis, served as a pinch runner and scored from third on Beltran's make-believe single -- sliding into the plate.

Despite the whole fantasy- camp feel, the late-morning simulation did yield some positive results for Beltran, who gave his arthritic knees their most serious test since he arrived here five weeks ago. (Newsday) 

Izzy takes it easy

 Jason Isringhausen, in his own words, "survived" a Tuesday morning catch with pitching coach Dan Warthen and now expects to remain on schedule for his target of Opening Day.

Isringhausen, 38, had not appeared in a game since Friday because of muscle soreness in his right elbow, and was prescribed a three-day dosage of anti-inflammatory medication.

During Tuesday's test, he began with some long throws from shortstop, and then lightly spun off about nine or 10 curveballs to Warthen. Isringhausen's looping curve puts the most strain on that area - he's had three Tommy John operations - but there were no issues Tuesday. The day after is usually the best indication, but Isringhausen doesn't anticipate any more setbacks. (newsday)

Beltran still hurting

Just a week after Carlos Beltran's spring training debut, the Mets' newly-minted right fielder walked through the clubhouse at Digital Domain Park before the team traveled to Lake Buena Vista to face the Braves.

In an ideal world, Beltran would have been putting the finishing touches on at least a few games of serving as the team's designated hitter and preparing to begin playing games at his new position this week.

Instead, he continues to work out at the team's complex as he nurses his left knee tendinitis. And while he still plans on getting back on a field this week, there's no telling when Beltran will be ready to play defense. (Post)

Maine on the mend

Not only did John Maine pitch well in his first minor league rehab start last night, but Jerry Manuel said yesterday that the injured righty could be a candidate to start one end of the Mets-Phillies doubleheader next Sunday.

Maine, who has been on the disabled list for three months with shoulder weakness, tossed four innings of two-hit, shutout ballfor St. Lucie in high A-ball, striking out six and throwing 58 pitches. It was Maine's first time pitching since he was on the mound June 6 for the Mets. Continue

Ollie done for season

"Oliver Perez today was examined by Mets Medical Director Dr. David Altchek at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

"Upon the exam, Perez was diagnosed with patella tendon tendinosis in his right knee, which will require season-ending surgery.

"He is expected to fully recover and be ready for Spring Training."

Sheffield lands on DL

 Despite Gary Sheffield pronouncing himself ready to return to the lineup, the Mets put the outfielder on the DL Saturday with what is now labeled a right hamstring strain. Sheffield said he was perfectly willing to start Saturday night's game, but was overruled after speaking with GM Omar Minaya by phone in the visiting manager's office at Minute Maid Park. Continue

Mets remain positive on Beltran

Carlos Beltran sought a second opinion on his ailing right knee from DR.Richard Steadman yesterday, assistant GM John Ricco said, to review the diagnosis of a bone bruise that Mets doctors provided.

There's no indication that anything severe such as microfracture surgery - which Steadman's Vail, Colo., clinic specializes in - may be required, Ricco added.

The collective bargaining agreement allows for players to seek a team-funded second opinion, and Ricco suggested that agent Scott Boras preferred that Beltran see Steadman. "There's no reason for us not to be in favor of that," Ricco said. Continue

Beltran heads to DL

The core is down to one player: David Wright.

Carlos Beltran became the latest Met to land on the disabled list, when an MRI exam on Monday revealed a worsened bone bruise in his right knee, GM Omar Minaya said. Beltran's loss for at least 15 days, and potentially through the All-Star break, leaves the lineup dangerously thin. Three-quarters of the "core" is on the DL, with Beltran joining Carlos delgado (hip) and Jose Reyes (hamstring). Continue

MRI Monday for Beltran

Carlos Beltran is hurting again, adding more pain to an already thin Mets lineup.

The Mets' center fielder recently began experiencing soreness in the right knee that bothered him for much of May, and intends to have an MRI exam tomorrow.

The earlier diagnosis was a bone bruise, and Beltran says he wants to make sure nothing has changed.