Surprise, AZ (My Sportsbook) - Kansas City Royals centerfielder Carlos Beltran has been activated from the 15-day disabled and is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Beltran was sidelined with a strained oblique muscle and missed the Royals' first 14 games this season. Kansas City still managed to post an 11-3 record in his absence. Royals manager Tony Pena penciled Beltran into the number three spot in the lineup and pushed first baseman Mike Sweeney back to the cleanup position. Beltran, one of the most dangerous hitters in the Kansas City lineup, hit .273 with 44 doubles, 29 homers and 105 RBI in 2002. He also added 35 stolen bases. The switch-hitter has a lifetime .283 average with 123 doubles, 82 homers and 365 RBI over five major-league seasons with the Royals. To make room for Beltran on the roster, Kansas City returned outfielder Rontrez Johnson to the Texas Rangers after he was claimed during the winter meeting draft. |
