Mets' Beltran planning to play field for 1st time

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - Carlos Beltran is making strides in overcoming tendinitis in his left knee and plans to play the field for the first time this spring.

The New York Mets right fielder went 5 for 11 in a minor league intrasquad scrimmage Friday and plans to play five full innings in a minor league game Saturday.

He served as a designated hitter in his only Grapefruit League game March 6 before being shut down for more than a week with the tendinitis that resulted from overcompensating for a right knee he had surgery on in January 2010.

Beltran was replaced by pinch runners and did not play the field in the scrimmage Friday. He participated in a simulated game Thursday that included baserunning and outfield work.