GaryMrMets
03-26-2003, 10:02 PM
Royals' Beltran Sidelined With Strained Oblique Muscle
.c The Associated Press
SURPRISE, Ariz. (March 26) -- Kansas City outfielder Carlos Beltran will miss the Royals' opener and probably start the season on the disabled list because of a strained oblique muscle.
Beltran hasn't played since March 10 because of the injury. He will travel with the team to Kansas City for the opener against the Chicago White Sox on Monday and then return to Arizona to continue his rehabilitation.
"I don't see Beltran on opening day,'' manager Tony Pena said. "He hasn't swung a bat in a while.''
Although the club has yet to officially place him on the disabled list, that's where he will most likely open the season.
The Royals also cut four players Wednesday, including left-handers Rick DeHart and Scott Mullen. DeHart was reassigned to the club's minor league camp and Mullen was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.
"I would love to have a lefty in the bullpen I feel comfortable with, but I didn't feel comfortable with what I saw (of DeHart and Mullen) in spring training,'' Pena said.
The Royals also reassigned infielder Jarrod Patterson, who hit .458 in 16 exhibition games, and right-hander Sean Lowe to their minor league camp.
The Royals decided to keep right-handed outfielders Brandon Berger, who hit .288 in 20 spring games and Rontrez Johnson, claimed off waivers from Oakland, and utility player Mendy Lopez.
Two other non-roster players are also hurt and will likely begin the season on the disabled list in the minors: pitcher James Baldwin (oblique strain) and catcher Juan Brito, who hurt his thumb in an intrasquad game Tuesday.
03/26/03 18:09 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
.c The Associated Press
SURPRISE, Ariz. (March 26) -- Kansas City outfielder Carlos Beltran will miss the Royals' opener and probably start the season on the disabled list because of a strained oblique muscle.
Beltran hasn't played since March 10 because of the injury. He will travel with the team to Kansas City for the opener against the Chicago White Sox on Monday and then return to Arizona to continue his rehabilitation.
"I don't see Beltran on opening day,'' manager Tony Pena said. "He hasn't swung a bat in a while.''
Although the club has yet to officially place him on the disabled list, that's where he will most likely open the season.
The Royals also cut four players Wednesday, including left-handers Rick DeHart and Scott Mullen. DeHart was reassigned to the club's minor league camp and Mullen was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.
"I would love to have a lefty in the bullpen I feel comfortable with, but I didn't feel comfortable with what I saw (of DeHart and Mullen) in spring training,'' Pena said.
The Royals also reassigned infielder Jarrod Patterson, who hit .458 in 16 exhibition games, and right-hander Sean Lowe to their minor league camp.
The Royals decided to keep right-handed outfielders Brandon Berger, who hit .288 in 20 spring games and Rontrez Johnson, claimed off waivers from Oakland, and utility player Mendy Lopez.
Two other non-roster players are also hurt and will likely begin the season on the disabled list in the minors: pitcher James Baldwin (oblique strain) and catcher Juan Brito, who hurt his thumb in an intrasquad game Tuesday.
03/26/03 18:09 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.