Carlos Beltran could be facing a third straight game removed from action.
The Mets right fielder, who is battling the flu, made it to Citi Field yesterday after staying home on Saturday, but wasn’t anywhere near ready to play, according to manager Terry Collins. Beltran received intravenous fluids before the game.
“He said his body was real sore,” Collins said after the Mets’ 8-5 loss to the Phillies. “As bad as he felt, I’m not sure he’s going to be in there [tonight].”
Willie Harris played right field and batted third yesterday, finishing 2-for-4 with a double. Scott Hairston took Beltran’s spot a day earlier and went 3-for-5 with five RBIs.
The Mets could have used Beltran, even for one swing in yesterday’s eighth inning. After scoring three runs, they had the bases loaded with two outs and Justin Turner at the plate as the potential tying run. Antonio Bastardo struck out Turner to end the threat.
The lefty-swinging Harris may get the call in right field tonight with the Mets scheduled to face Marlins righty Clay Hensley.
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David Wright went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in a minor league rehab game for Single-A St. Lucie against Clearwater. Wright played the entire game as the DH.
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Daniel Murphy finished 2-for-3 with two walks, giving him at least one hit in 19 of his past 21 games. Murphy is hitting .412 (35-for-85) over that stretch. Murphy has a seven-game hitting streak and is hitting .519 (14-for-27) during that stretch.
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Josh Thole‘s wife, Kathryn, is due to give birth to the couple’s first child on Friday. But Thole is hopeful the birth comes earlier — the Mets are scheduled to leave for Florida for the start of a 10-game road trip after facing the Cardinals at Citi Field on Thursday afternoon. Thole said he intends to be present for the birth, but probably will not take a paternity leave afterward.
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Gary Carter, who is undergoing treatment for brain tumors, is not expected in Cooperstown for next weekend’s Hall of Fame ceremonies.