New York ? Carlos Beltran decided Tuesday he would not have surgery to repair a minimally displaced facial fracture he received last week in a violent outfield collision with New York Mets teammate Mike Cameron.

Instead, Beltran will try to play, and the Mets will attempt to design some protection, perhaps a mask, for the injury.

“The doctors gave me options,” he said. “I decided not to have the surgery. I want to be out there. I feel good. Nothing bothers me right now.”

Beltran planned on going through a full workout before Tuesday night’s game against Pittsburgh, and if he feels no ill effects, he could return to action later this week.

“I just feel that I feel good,” Beltran said. “I want to play. I don’t feel scared.”

The Mets gave Beltran the option of deciding what to do, general manager Omar Minaya said.

“Our doctors feel Carlos is not at any risk,” Minaya said. “I talked to him today, and I told him we as an organization would support him whatever he wants to do. He is very convinced. He wants to be with his teammates. Surgery would have kept him out a week, maybe 10 days, maybe two weeks.”