PORT ST. LUCIE — 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.
If Beltran is worried about the situation, he isn’t saying.
“I’m getting better,” said Beltran, who hasn’t played since going 1-for-3 last Sunday against the Red Sox, when he singled and later scored from second on a single. “I really am. And I know my knee is going to be fine soon.”
There remains doubt about that, especially considering Beltran’s recent history with knee problems. And though general manager Sandy Alderson said he isn’t concerned about Beltran starting the year on the disabled list, manager Terry Collins admitted he has tried different players in right just in case they’re needed if Beltran is out at some point.
“I’m not thinking about that at all,” Beltran said. “It’s not even in the back of my mind. I just hope I’m good when the time comes.”
But hoping and knowing aren’t quite the same.
“Right now, it’s something I have to deal with,” Beltran said. “I’m doing that now.”
That likely won’t change when he does return to action.
“If this happened earlier in my career, I might not be able to handle it,” Beltran said. “But trust me, now I know what I need to do to get ready, no matter the situation. I’ve had to figure it out.”
That learning process seems to get more complicated by the year.
“I might not get back out there when other people want me to, but I’m going to be OK,” Beltran said. “I’d rather just be able to go out and play and not think about anything else, but there’s other work I have to do now and I’m prepared to do it. You have to make sure you do everything the correct way.”
He’s also unconcerned that the delay will affect him acclimating himself to right field.
“I’ve always made adjustments in my career,” Beltran said. “This is just another one, and I’m looking forward to it. I know there’s no way to get used to it other than to go out and play there.”
And when he does, he doesn’t want to worry about limitations.
“My goal when I get back is to be able play a lot,” Beltran said. “I don’t want to think about days off or anything else. That’s the way I’m approaching it.”
Though Collins likely will look at ways to get him time off, Beltran does not intend to.
“I don’t a set number or anything,” Beltran said. “The only goal I have is to play baseball and be able to focus on that. I’m going to be all right. I just have to play.”