With Beltran on the DL, Look at These Options

August 2, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Art Morath
Edited by Ryan Dodson

New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran was put on the DL Tuesday, retroactive to July 25, with a strained left oblique muscle. Beltran is hitting .263 with 19 home runs, 62 RBI, and 15 stolen bases this season, his third with the Mets. Beltran posted career highs in home runs and RBI last year, which elevated him to a first-round pick in many fantasy drafts this winter. However, he has not lived up to the hype this year.

Table: Beltran's stats since joining the New York Mets as a free agent

Year	Runs	Home Runs	RBI	Stolen Bases	Batting Average
2005	83	16	78	17	.266
2006	127	41	116	18	.275
2007	55	19	62	15	.263

An oblique muscle strain, although not a serious injury, seems to linger longer than other minor day-to-day injuries. Recently Chicago Cubs closer Ryan Dempster had a strained oblique, and he was initially expected to return to action after a 15-day DL stint. He ended up missing 29 days. Atlanta Braves reliever Octavio Dotel was also only expected to miss a short time after straining an oblique muscle before the season began. He did not appear in a game until May 23. Indications are that Beltran could come off the DL when he is eligible, but more than likely he will be out longer than that. The Mets will want to make sure that Beltran is healthy for the stretch run, so they will not attempt to rush him back.

While Beltran is out fantasy owners should consider replacing him with the biggest beneficiary of Beltran's injury, New York Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge. The 22-year-old is making the most of another shot at the majors since being called up from Triple-A New Orleans on July 12. He is hitting .296 with three home runs and 15 RBI since being called up, and he is expected to be the everyday center fielder while Beltran is out. When Beltran comes back Milledge's value will decrease, so take advantage now. Milledge is available in 96 percent of leagues.

Another possible replacement for Beltran is Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson R. Cruz. The former Milwaukee Brewers prospect was called up on July 28 when Kenny Lofton was traded to the Cleveland Indians. After being sent down to Triple-A in the beginning of June, Cruz went on a torrid streak. Using a wider batting stance he hit .352 with 15 home runs and 45 RBI for Triple-A Oklahoma. Since rejoining the Rangers he is hitting .421 with three home runs, six RBI and one stolen base. The Rangers are expected to give him a look as their everyday right fielder. Cruz is available in most leagues.

Also, the Arizona Diamondbacks called up five-tool outfielder Justin Upton. Upton is worth picking up in all leagues if just to ride the bench to see what the kid can do in the majors.

For the time being put Beltran in your DL slot or on the bench. Despite his injury, he still could be a force down the stretch if he gets hot.

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Art Morath
Art Morath has been a contributor to KFFL since 2007.

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