Beltran not ready to discuss Astros scandal
Carlos Beltrán refused to discuss his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal Wednesday, preferring to concentrate on his new role with the New York Mets.
“Today’s not about the Astros,” Beltrán said at Mets camp in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “Today is about the Mets.”
Beltrán was hired by the Mets Nov. 1, 2019, to replace Mickey Callaway as manager, then was let go Jan. 16, 2020, without him managing a game. The parting was announced three days after he was the only Astros player mentioned by name in Major League Baseball’s report that concluded that Houston broke rules by using electronics to steal signs en route to the 2017 World Series title.
“I felt like that was a moment that needed to happen and I moved on,” Beltrán said.
Most recently, he joined the Mets last week as a special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler. Beltrán said he didn’t expect to return.
“No chance,” Beltrán said. “... That’s how the world goes around.”
The MLB report also likely hurt him at the Hall of Fame ballot box. He received 46.5% of votes in his first time on the ballot last month well short of the needed 75%.
“I felt OK with it,” Beltrán said. “I know that I went through a moment in my career that was tough. I also know I had some fans and now I don’t have those fans anymore. But at the end of the day, I have to live my life. I have to move on.”
Rays
Outfielder Ben Gamel agreed to a minor league contract. Gamel, 30, will be given a chance to compete for a spot on the major league roster. He hit .232 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs in 115 games with the Pirates in 2022.
Royals
If reliever Aroldis Chapman, 35, can find the stuff that made him the most feared closer in baseball a decade ago, he can earn up to $8.75 million as part of his one-year contract. Chapman is guaranteed $3.75 million, but can earn $2.5 million in performance bonuses based on appearances and another $2.5 million based on games finished. Wishful thinking? A fastball that averaged 100.7 mph in 2016 was down to 97.5 in 2022, a season in which he was 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA for the Yankees.
Astros
Right- hander Lance McCullers Jr. says he will miss opening day because of a strained muscle in his pitching arm. McCullers missed the first 4 1/2 months of last season while rehabbing from a right flexor pronator strain.
Reds
First baseman Joey Votto, 39, is still rehabbing from last summer’s shoulder and biceps surgery and may not be ready to play in the regularseason opener.