Sunday was a huge hurdle for New York Mets OF Carlos Beltran as he made his spring training debut and he seemingly got over it with no trouble.
Starting as the team's designated hitter and batting clean up, Beltran went 1-for-3. Though it was his performance on the base paths that had the team buzzing. In the second inning, with Beltran standing on second base, Daniel Murphy ripped a single.
As if nothing was wrong, Beltran came strongly around third base towards home, sliding in safely without a play.
Manager Terry Collins was excited to see his new RF run freely for the first time.
"I thought it was a big step for us as a team, especially ... That was a brighter spot than what he did at the plate, for me."
Collins said that Beltran won't be roaming the outfield at least for another week, even after a successful debut. The veteran, for his part, feels is ready now.
"Right now, I feel like I can get to the balls," said Beltran. "I need to spend more time in the outfield. If my knee holds well, I have no doubt what I can do defensively."