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Simulated Game A 'Good Step' For Mets' Beltran

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- The Mets still hope to have Carlos Beltran on the field for Opening Day.

Beltran, who is rehabbing from left knee tendinitis, did not see in-game action on Thursday. He instead played in a simulated game, complete with outfield movement, with a second one on the docket Friday.

"I just wanted to come here today and test it," Beltran said. "Actually, this is more than what we do in a game. I just wanted to test the knee. Hopefully tomorrow I recuperate, feeling good."

LISTEN: You'll never guess who scored from third during Beltran's simulated game. Ed Coleman fills us in on the details

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Beltran said he managed to give a full effort while rounding the bases.

"That's 100 percent right there. I'm not going to get faster than that," said the All-Star outfielder. "Those couple of steps when you're slowing down, normally when you have tendinitis you feel it there. But I didn't feel anything there. This is a good step for me to move forward. Defensively I feel very comfortable. My main concern was being able to run the bases."

A minor league game is possible for Saturday, depending on how Beltran's knee responds.

"Opening Day is kind of like the Dow at 10,000," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said. "It if dips below it, then you don't know where it comes to rest. I think the idea is, let's see if he can be ready for Opening Day, and let's go for it."

LISTEN: Ed Coleman details Beltran's adjusted schedule

Podcast

Alderson admitted the Mets aren't just worried about Beltran's left knee -- his right knee is also on the team's radar.

"I think right now it's really about both. I don't think there are problems with both. But I think they're monitoring the condition of both," said Alderson. "I wouldn't say at this stafe there's a focus on the left or the right. At least I haven't heard that discussed in the last couple of days."

WATCH: Mets' Jay Horwitz "sliding" into home on Thursday

Jay Horwitz Runs the Bases by adicomo on YouTube

Will Beltran be ready for Opening Day? Make your prediction in the comments below...

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