Carlos Beltran made an early exit from today’s Grapefruit League game against the Marlins after he was hit on the right foot by a pitch from right-hander Jacob Turner in the first inning. While the veteran outfielder was diagnosed with a right toe bruise after X-rays ruled out a fracture, he told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com that he was in a lot of pain.
The injury comes just two days before Beltran is scheduled to join his native Puerto Rico for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. While he’s considered day-to-day right now, he didn’t rule out the possibility that it could affect his participation in the tournament.
Beltran, who turns 36 in April, batted .269/.346/.495 with 32 home runs, 97 RBI and an .842 OPS last season. He’s owed $13 million this season.
