While everything at Citi Field was overshadowed by Francisco Rodriguez’ arrest for hitting his girlfriend’s father, it was Carlos Beltran finally hitting the ball that provided one of few overlooked positives this imploding team can cling to.
Johan Santana was the star with a complete-game 4-0 shutout of Colorado, but it was at least encouraging that the long-struggling Beltran went 3-for-3 with an RBI sac fly. It was his first three-hit game of the year, and the most auspicious sign yet that he’s slowly rounding into some semblance of form.
“I still feel like I’m battling at the plate. I feel like I’m fighting every single at-bat,” Beltran admitted. “The difference (yesterday) was I got a good result. I still don’t feel comfortable, but it’s always good when you do something for the team.”
Beltran had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Jan. 13, and he didn’t return until July 15. But he’s worn a bulky knee brace since, clearly not fully fit.
“I think Carlos is just finally getting caught up right now,” said Jerry Manuel, encouraged by the fact first-base coach Razor Shines had Beltran back playing his typically-shallow centerfield yesterday. “(He’s) back where he was before, in reading and getting good jumps on the balls.”
He came into yesterday 1-for-20 with six strikeouts and just a single RBI in his previous five games with an at-bat; but he lifted his average from .185 to .214 and looked smooth in the outfield.
“He’s definitely making progress,” said hitting coach Howard Johnson. “We noticed how he wasn’t using his lower half very good at all, and part of that is the brace; he’s just not comfortable yet with that on.
“But (yesterday) in the cage was his best swings pregame. He looked really good, and took it into the game, did a really good job. It took time to come back; he’s just got to learn how to adjust to that.”
Beltran — who cleared waivers Tuesday — said it’s nothing that technical.
“When you’re not doing good, everybody starts looking at different things,” Beltran said. “Right now, I just need to see the ball and hit the ball.”