ST. LOUIS — The Mets continue to take it slow with Carlos Beltran.
A week after Beltran had hoped to begin running and taking batting practice, he remains in Port St. Lucie, Fla., awaiting clearance from doctors to participate in baseball activities.
A team spokesman said yesterday that Beltran has not suffered a setback on his surgically repaired right knee, but gave no reason for Beltran’s delay in receiving medical clearance.
Beltran underwent arthroscopic surgery on Jan. 13, at which time the Mets said their center fielder would need 12 weeks for resumption of baseball activities.
*
Manager Jerry Manuel wasn’t tipping his hand yesterday on when Jose Reyes will be shifted to third in the lineup. Earlier in the week Manuel said he expected to make the move this weekend.
“It depends on a lot offensively, how we respond,” Manuel said. “We’ve had some people out [on the base paths] we haven’t picked them up like I’d like to see.”
That could be interpreted as a subtle shot at Angel Pagan, who would move to leadoff in Reyes’ spot. Pagan was in a 1-for-13 slump entering last night. Gary Matthews Jr., received the start in center field over Pagan.
*
David Wright said his 13 walks in the Mets’ first nine games haven’t come as a result of him trying harder to take pitches. Struggling Jason Bay hits behind Wright in the lineup, but the third baseman says he doesn’t believe pitchers are pitching around him.
“I know that he’s not exactly as hot as Jason Bay can be,” Wright said. “But I don’t think at this point of the season that pitchers are necessarily going to start pitching around one person to get to another person.”
*
Manuel said he expects to have Ryota Igarashi as the primary setup man this weekend against the Cardinals’ predominantly right-handed lineup.