JUPITER, Fla. – Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran is dealing with lingering tightness in his right shoulder and will be limited to a DH role for the next few games.
Beltran, who appeared in just his second spring game Monday and his first since the spring opener eight days ago, missed the past few games with a serious case of the flu.
He can serve as the designated hitter because the shoulder doesn't bother him while batting.
"Right now I'm doing a strengthening program for my shoulder," Beltran said. "Every spring when I come to spring training I have issues getting my arm in shape, but it's going to be fine. It just takes time for me. When we start getting close to leaving camp, I'll play in the outfield because that is going to be my position.
Right now were just being cautious. This is spring training. This is not the regular season, so I just cant go out there and go crazy about it. I have to make sure that when I play in the field, I'm ready to go."
Beltran signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Cardinals in the offseason. He's scheduled to go to Port St. Lucie to DH vs. the Mets on Tuesday, his first game against his former team.
