CF Carlos Beltran returns to New York Mets lineup

CF Beltran returns to Mets lineup

NEW YORK — All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran is back in the New York Mets’ starting lineup after missing two games with a bone bruise below his right knee.

Beltran had an MRI on Tuesday, which revealed the bruise and an inflamed tibia, and also got a cortisone shot. He missed the final two games of New York’s series against the Washington Nationals, rested on Thursday’s day off and was batting third in the opener of a three-game set against the Florida Marlins on Friday night.

Beltran says he’s good to go and feels better after taking the three days off. His return was welcome news for ailing New York, already missing Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes with injuries.

Beltran is batting .367 with six homers and 31 RBIs this season.