Beltran to Disabled List

Beltran to the DL

By David Ferraro
June 22, 2009

Carlos Beltran became the latest member of the New York Mets to join the disabled list on Monday due to a bone bruise in his right knee.

Beltran had been sidelined due to the knee for a few days earlier in the knee, but on Monday an MRI exam revealed that the injury had worsened, prompting the Mets to place him on the disabled list. The outfielder had been playing effectively, and came into Monday with a five game hitting streak.

The news comes at a difficult time for the Mets, who have seen several key players go down with injuries including Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, and most recently John Maine. In the past 10 games, the Mets are just 3-7 but are still just two games out of first place in the NL East.

The Mets also made several other moves on Monday, including recalling Fernando Martinez. Martinez had been sent back to the minors just a few days ago, but will be called upon to help fill the void left in the outfield by Beltran\\\'s injury. In 62 at-bats, Martinez hit just .194 with no home runs and a couple stolen bases.

Also announced were the call-ups of veteran pitcher Elmer Dessens and Pat Misch. Dessens pitched 35 innings in AAA for the Buffalo Bisons, compiling 11 saves and an ERA of 2.31. The Mets will be the ninth team Dessens has pitched for in the majors. His last stint in the majors was last year with the Braves where he pitched just four innings.

LHP Ken Takahashi was optioned to the minors, and RHP Connor Robertson and Wilson Valdez were designated for assignment to make room on the roster. Takahashi, a 40 year old reliever, pitched 18 innings for the Mets with a 3.00 ERA and one loss.

The Mets also announced that Wily Mo Pena, Javier Valentin, and Bobby Kielty were all released from the team.