Carlos Beltran moving to right field

Last year, Angel Pagan moved from center field when Carlos Beltran was ready to return from knee surgery.

This year, it's Beltran that will give up center field (to Pagan) in the hopes of prolonging his career.

"I want to play right," Beltran said, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger. "I think it’s best for the team. It’s going to be best for me also, best for my knee."

This weekend, Beltran will begin playing Grapefruit League games as a designated hitter.

Today Newsday's David Lennon tweeted that Beltran was "absolutely crushing the ball" during batting practice.

According to Mock Draft Central, Beltran is the 51st outfielder and 223rd player off the board, on average, in fantasy baseball drafts. Meanwhile, Pagan is the 58th outfielder and 241st player drafted on average.

Jose Reyes to leadoff tonight vs Marlins

When the Mets face the Marlins in Miami tonight, shortstop Jose Reyes will return to a familiar spot. (And, no, I don't mean the disabled list.)

Reyes, who is hitting only .207 on the season since returning from the DL, will be the leadoff hitter in tonight's lineup, according to Brian Costa of the Newark Star-Ledger.

Meanwhile, Angel Pagan will bat third in the order in front of left fielder Jason Bay tonight.

Only six teams have a lower batting average than the Mets (.240).

Through 55 at bats so far in May, Reyes has only ten hits (.182 batting average), but he has stolen four bases.

In addition to struggling in May (even more so than in April), Reyes is struggling on the road (.136 average and .329 OPS). His home batting average is a solid .290 with an OPS of .763.

Reyes is hitless in his past three road games and has never faced Nate Robertson, who will start for the Marlins tonight.

Matthews Jr. named Mets' Opening Day centerfielder

Earlier in the spring, opinions seemed to differ between Mets manager Jerry Manuel and GM Omar Minaya as to whether prospect Fernando Martinez could become the Mets' Opening Day centerfielder.

In either case, F-Mart was sent down to Buffalo last week despite his .383 batting average this spring.

Therefore, in the battle to be Carlos Beltran's injury replacement to start the season, Gary Matthews Jr. beat out Angel Pagan, per Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger.

Matthews, who hit .250 with four home runs in 350 at bats for the Angels last season, will bat seventh in the order when the Mets face the Marlins tomorrow.