How’s that for a sight for sore eyes? Last night, Port St. Lucie natives Larry and Dora Licastri were nice enough to share pictures and give us a great account of each of Carlos Beltran’s plate appearances from his first rehab game in Florida. They are two of the biggest and coolest Mets fans I know, and you can follow Larry on Facebook and see all of his great Mets pics including more of Beltran.
Beltran went 0-for-2 with a walk for Single-A Port St. Lucie. He played five innings in center field, but did not have any fielding opportunities. Larry posted the following on his wall,
Carlos, 1st at-bat grounds out to first base. No limp.
Here is what Beltran had to say after the game:
“I feel like I’m in shape physically, but being out there playing for a game, you can never prepare for that. That’s something that will come with time. I’m excited to be here today. The knee’s been fine right now. It hasn’t given me any problems. It’s been improving every single day.”
The big thing is seeing how Beltran’s knee responds today.
Carlos is also hoping to put his knee to a real test by sliding into second base and diving for a ball in the outfield, things that he expects to do during his rehab.
Before the game, Beltran told reporters about how he hopes he could play in his native Puerto Rico this Monday where the Mets will play the Marlins in San Juan. Easy there big guy…
Jerry Manuel responded to those comments by saying that if Beltran plays well over the next few days, he could rejoin the Mets as early as Monday, but also added that things would really have to be going well for him to be back by then.
All in all, a great start to Beltran’s rehab coupled with some high expectations. I love it!
