"Carlos Delgado finally was back in the batter's box launching home runs. And Carlos Beltran finally was back in center field tracking fly balls Monday at Citi Field.

Mind you, this was before -- and not during - Monday night's series finale against Arizona. But these were the latest positive steps, nonetheless, for the two injured Mets, who continue to target mid-August returns to the lineup.

"In my mind, that's my plan. That's my target and I'm doing everything possible to accomplish that," said Beltran, who has been out since June 22 with a bone bruise behind his right knee. "Today was a good day for me, honestly ... because I was able to go out and move around and that gave me confidence to continue to improve and to do a little bit more every single day."

Beltran was encouraged that he felt pain "only twice" in his knee among the estimated 35 fly balls he fielded. "It wasn't the same pain I felt (before) ... so I think it's progress, because I didn't feel it all the time."

Beltran, like Delgado, still must resume running at full speed before beginning a rehab assignment, and the center fielder will report back to Port St. Lucie when the Mets leave for the West Coast later this week.

Delgado, who underwent hip surgery in May, also was cautiously optimistic about hitting outdoors - including putting at least one over the outfield wall - for the first time.

"I was scheduled to come (outside) last week but the weather betrayed us," Delgado said. It's pretty much the same (as hitting in the indoor cages). You take the same swings, but you get to see where the ball goes. ... A little reassurance never hurt anybody, so that's good to know.""