MLB rumors: Carlos Beltran admits he’s playing in pain
By Bryan Rose
The New York Yankees likely envisioned big things from Carlos Beltran when they signed him this offseason to a three-year, $45 million dollar deal. Of course, they’ve seen extremely limited returns on their investment so far as Beltran has missed a handful of games dealing with a nagging elbow injury.
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There was an assumption that Beltran, who has bone spurs in his elbow, would need to undergo what would have effectively been a season-ending surgery but after speaking with doctors it was determined Beltran would attempt to play through the injury.
In the weeks since his return, the outfielder (who is now the Yankees designated hitter since he can’t throw on defense) has struggled with the bat, hitting just .164 over the past thirty days. Part of that is because he’s playing in pain, this according to Beltran who despite the issues suggests he will continue to play through them.
“The elbow issue is there, we cannot erase that. But I still have to find a way to just go out and do my job, even with the situation that I have,” Beltran said. “I get my days when it’s good and I get some other days when it’s tight or sore, but it’s nothing that I cannot tolerate. . . . It’s just right now, things are not going well.”
At this point, it’s safe to say Beltran isn’t helping the Yankees, so it might be best for all parties if he shut it down until he’s healthy. That would all but end his season, but he hasn’t shown any signs of turning it around at this point.