New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran makes a sliding catch to put out Washington Nationals’ Jerry Hairston Jr., during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 in Viera, Fla. The Mets won 8-2. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
VIERA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Outfielder Carlos Beltran returned to the Mets’ lineup with a hit and a sliding catch in right field as New York defeated the Washington Nationals 8-2 on Tuesday.
Beltran had not played in a major league spring training game for three weeks because of tendinitis in his left knee. The All-Star singled in the first inning and later retired Jerry Hairston Jr. with a nice grab down the line.
David Wright hit a three-run homer for New York. Outfielder Jason Bay was a late scratch for the Mets because of discomfort in left rib cage.
Adam LaRoche homered for the Nationals. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann allowed four runs and seven hits in three innings.
SOUND-OFF: Were you encouraged by Beltran’s performance Tuesday? Let us know in the comments section…
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