Mets outline plan to have Beltran ready

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) - The New York Mets have outlined a plan for Carlos Beltran with the hope he can still be ready for opening day.

Beltran, who has been hampered by left knee tendinitis, played in a simulated game Thursday, fielding balls in right field, hitting and running the bases full speed. He will do the same Friday before competing in a minor league game Saturday. The team will then re-evaluate the plan.

The 33-year-old All-Star played minor league games the previous two days but focused only on hitting. The simulated games were meant to create more demanding situations in a controlled setting.

Beltran developed tendinitis while compensating for his right knee which he had surgery on in January 2010.