PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -New York Mets catcher Brian Schneider has been able to do everything but run the bases in his efforts to recover from a right hamstring injury.
"It's frustrating," Schneider said Friday. "I want to be back there so bad catching these guys and seeing pitching, but right now, the smart thing to do is to give it some time to make sure I miss time now and not during the season."
Schneider aggravated the hamstring injury after Thursday's practice and said he is day-to-day. He has not appeared in a game since Sunday and has just five at-bats in three spring training games this year.
The lack of at-bats might not be as tough to overcome as Schneider's inability to get used to the new pitching staff. Schneider came to the Mets along with outfielder Ryan Church in a deal that sent Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals.
"I want to be back there catching and getting some (at-bats) and seeing some pitching," he said.
Last season, Schneider batted .235 with six home runs and 54 at-bats. He said he doesn't anticipate missing time in the regular season.
"Again, that's something I don't know about," Schneider said. "You try to take it slow as possible right now because you can."
Schneider is one of two projected starters who are unable to play. Moises Alou had hernia surgery earlier this spring and could be out until May.
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