Carlos Beltran’s return to the Mets could involve moving from center field on a part-time basis.

Jerry Manuel. saying Beltran is on a “nice track” in his rehab from arthroscopic knee surgery and could soon begin playing rehab games, added it’s possible the organization will approach Beltran about occasionally playing right field to save the wear and tear on his knees.

“That’s not out of the question,” Manuel said Tuesday before the Mets faced the Padres. “It would be something we have to entertain with him, how comfortable he is in a different spot.”

The move would allow the Mets to keep Angel Pagan as part of the outfield mix, but would directly affect Jeff Francoeur’s playing time.

Beltran told WFAN he is running at 80 percent and expects to begin playing extended spring training games next week. But Manuel said no timeline is in place.

An organizational source termed Beltran’s pronouncement of next week as “hopeful” on the center fielder’s part. Once Beltran begins playing extended spring games, he’ll need at least a month to get into shape for his season debut.

“From what I understand he’s progressing very well,” Manuel said. “When he’s going to start playing depends on how he feels on a day to day basis. But it looks like soon.”

Last week, Omar Minaya said the center fielder had not been cleared to resume baseball activities and there was no timetable for his return.