PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets outlined a plan for Carlos Beltran on Thursday that hopefully will have the all-star outfielder ready for opening day.
Beltran, who has been hampered by left knee tendinitis, has not played the outfield in a major-league game this spring. But as a first step in the process, he played in a simulated game Thursday, fielding balls in right field, hitting and running the bases full speed. He will do the same today before competing in a minor- league game Saturday. The team then will re-evaluate the plan.
“I just wanted to test the knee, and hopefully (today) I recuperate, feeling good,” Beltran said.
Footnotes.
Phillies right- hander Roy Oswalt was in good spirits a day after taking a line drive under the right ear and said he expects to make his next start.
• Giants outfielder Cody Ross is expected to miss three weeks because of a strained right calf.
• The Rangers decided Neftali Feliz will remain their closer rather than inserting him into the rotation.
• The Orioles named Jeremy Guthrie their opening- day starter April 1 against the Rays.
• Trevor Cahill was named opening-day starter for Oakland’s game against Seattle on April 1.
• Pitcher Oliver Perez and the Nationals agreed on a minor-league contract.
• Rookie Brandon Beachy won the job as Atlanta’s fifth starter.
The Associated Press
