SAN DIEGO — Carlos Beltran’s return to the Mets could involve moving from center field on a part-time basis.
In saying yesterday that Beltran is on a “nice track” in his rehab from arthroscopic knee surgery and could soon begin playing rehab games, manager Jerry Manuel indicated it’s possible the organization will approach Beltran about occasionally playing right field to save the wear and tear on his knees.
“That’s not out of the question,” Manuel said before the Mets faced the Padres last night. “It would be something we have to entertain with him, how comfortable he is in a different spot.”
Such a move would allow the Mets to keep Angel Pagan as part of the outfield mix, but would directly affect Jeff Francoeur’s playing time.
REPORT: PEREZ’S AGENT WANTED PSYCHOLOGIST
Beltran told WFAN he is running at 80 percent and expects to begin playing extended spring training games next week. But Manuel indicated that no timeline is in place. An organizational source termed Beltran’s pronouncement of next week as “hopeful” on the center fielder’s part. Once Beltran begins playing extended spring games, he’ll need at least a month to get into shape for his season debut.
“From what I understand he’s progressing very well,” Manuel said. “When he’s going to start playing depends on how he feels on a day-to-day basis. But it looks like soon.”
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According to an industry source, the Mets have no plans of swallowing the remaining $20 million on Oliver Perez‘s contract and will continue to stick with the struggling lefty in long relief if he does not agree to a minor-league assignment.
The source said — contrary to a report — Perez’s agent, Scott Boras, never presented the club with the option of placing the pitcher on the disabled list to work with noted sports psychologist Harvey Dorfman.
Manuel also said he was unaware of any proposal to put Perez on the DL to work with Dorfman.
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The Mets have played opponents this season with a combined .527 winning percentage, the fourth-toughest schedule of any major league team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Orioles (.536), Angels (.533) and Astros (.530) have played tougher schedules.