Baseball notebook: Beltran works in outfield
New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran is expected to shag fly balls again today in an effort to test his bruised right knee.
If all goes well, Beltran could try running the bases before going on a minor league rehab assignment. The All-Star slugger has been on the disabled list since June 22 with a bone bruise on the knee.
Beltran took fly balls on the field hours before New York hosted the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. He declined to talk about it afterward, sending word through Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz that he was satisfied with the workout and would have more to say on today.
“Looked better,” said manager Jerry Manuel. “Much better.”
The Mets have tumbled down the standings with Beltran, speedster Jose Reyes and slugger Carlos Delgado among several key players on the disabled list.
BoSox land Gonzalez
Boston moved to boost its infield, reacquiring shortstop Alex Gonzalez and cash from the Cincinnati Reds for minor league infielder Kris Negron.
The Red Sox made the trade a week after putting shortstop Jed Lowrie on the 15-day disabled list with an irritated left forearm. Last month, they traded shortstop Julio Lugo to St. Louis.
Boston is in contention for the A.L. East and wild-card spots, and had been playing Nick Green at shortstop.
Gonzalez will join the Red Sox for tonight’s game in Texas. He is hitting .210 with three home runs.
Under Glass’ eyes
Owner David Glass said he plans to clear his schedule to attend more games and see why the Kansas City Royals are having one of their most disappointing seasons in years.
In an interview from his office in Bentonville, Ark., Glass said he would meet with team president Dan Glass and general manager Dayton Moore to assess the entire season, including the performance of manager Trey Hillman.
Expected by many to compete in the A.L. Central this year, the Royals have the second-worst record in the majors.
Borchering signs
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed first-round draft pick Bobby Borchering to a minor league contract that includes a $1.8 million signing bonus.
The third baseman from Fort Myers, Fla., was the 16th pick overall.