Mets 'Not Scrambling' Over Beltran's Knee Tendinitis
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Carlos Beltran is out again because of knee trouble, a potentially ominous sign for a Mets ballclub that had trouble scoring runs last year.
This time, New York learned Monday its All-Star outfielder has tendinitis in his left knee and will miss four to five days, the discouraging news coming before a Mets split-squad lost 4-3 in 10 innings to the Washington Nationals.
"At the moment we're not scrambling for a Plan B, C or D," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday. "We're certainly not looking outside the organization. We've got plenty of time. I'm very optimistic he'll be ready to go."
Beltran was limited to just 64 games last season after right knee surgery in January 2010. He also missed 81 games in '09 and had surgery on both knees in 2007.
"We've got to reevaluate the plan and come up with a new one," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "We'll be ready for him when he's ready."
He has been compensating for his right knee, leading to the tendinitis.
"My right (knee) feels great," Beltran said, who also sat last September because of left knee tendinitis. "I am not even icing the right one."
"We're probably encouraged it was the (left) knee and not the right knee," said Alderson.
Beltran will be allowed to do cardio training in a pool and on a bike and can hit but will eliminate running. He will take anti-inflammatory medication.
"It got worse, worse, worse, to the point where now I have to make sure it doesn't get worse than that," Beltran said.
The Mets have been taking a conservative approach to getting Beltran ready for the season. They held him out of games until Sunday, when he served as the designated hitter. He was supposed to play Monday, but did not because of soreness, and again against the Nationals.
Even though opening day is April 1, the Mets aren't too concerned about getting the 33-year-old slugger prepared for his new position in right field.
"I don't think right now we are anticipating at all that he will start the season on the DL," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "We're still within a reasonable time frame to get him ready."
With Beltran out, the Mets have looked at several options to man the expansive right field at Citi Field.
Willie Harris, one of those outfielders, had a long double to left-center in the first inning and walked against the Nationals.
If Beltran's absence "does create more at-bats for me, then it does," Harris said, "but you want your teammates healthy. He's our outfielder."
Newcomer Scott Hairston also has impressed the Mets staff with a strong bat.
How many games will we see from Beltran this season? Make your prediction below...
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