NEW YORK (AP) - Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because a pain-relief injection did not ease the effects of a bone spur in his right elbow.
The eight-time All-Star was given a cortisone injection Monday night, soon after he felt a sharp pain in his elbow while taking swings in the batting cage during a game against the Mets. He is also taking cortisone pills.
“I’m getting better but not to the point where I’m capable of swinging the bat 100 percent,” Beltran said. “Right now we just hope to give the injection or they give me some cortisone by mouth, pills by mouth, to try to make it better. Let’s say in 15 days it doesn’t get better, then we have to talk about it and make another decision.”
If the elbow doesn’t improve Beltran would likely need surgery, which could sideline him six to eight weeks. Beltran has never had an elbow injury in his career so he is trying to focus only on returning after the 15 days are up.
Manager Joe Girardi said Ichiro Suzuki’s back was feeling better but Alfonso Soriano started again in right field. Suzuki has been out since hurting himself trying to make a catch Sunday.
Right-hander Chase Whitley took Beltran’s spot on the roster. He was called up from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes/Barre to start in place of injured ace CC Sabathia in the finale of the Subway Series against the New York Mets.
The 37-year-old Beltran was hitting .240 with five homers and 15 RBIs in his first season with the Yankees.
Pitcher Bruce Billings was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.