Collins Decides That Beltran Will Not DH Today Against Tigers

It may seem like we follow the Carlos Beltran situation very closely on MMO, but that’s only because our success in 2011 is tied to his health and critical to him having a productive season. That said, here’s the latest…

Although he was expected to play in this afternoon’s game against the Detroit Tigers, Terry Collins decided to give Carlos Beltran the day off after consulting with him this morning. Beltran told Collins that he was “sore, but in a good way.”

The extra caution the Mets exhibit in these meaningless games, could keep Beltran stronger for the games that actually count. An ounce of prevention could go a long way when it comes to Beltran, who  said he would play tomorrow.

Yesterday against the Red Sox, Beltran singled which you can watch here. He would later slide home and score all the way from second base after Chip Hale waved him around.

One thing that may not be getting any air-time is how well outfielders Fernando Martinez and Lucas Duda are doing this spring. Both are having solid camps and are stinging the ball, Duda hit a tie-breaking homerun for the Mets yesterday to beat the Boston Red Sox. Either of them would be able to help in the outfield this season should trouble come knocking on the Mets door this season.