The New York Mets expressed concern over the condition of slugger Yoenis Cespedes, who revealed that he is battling heel problems that could require surgery.
After nine and a half weeks on the disabled list, Cespedes returned to the lineup looking fine as he hit a solo homer in their 7-5 win over the New York Yankees on Friday. However, Cespedes was out of the Mets' lineup on Saturday after coming in pretty sore, according to Mickey Callaway, Mets manager.
Shortly after Friday's game, Cespedes told reporters that he has calcification on both heels that might require surgery, which will sideline him from eight to 10 months. Reporters then asked if he could make it through the season without undergoing surgery.
"I don't know," Cespedes replied.
Mets Skipper Unaware Of Cespedes's Comments
According to Callaway, he was unaware of Cespedes's comments about his heels. However, Callaway expressed concern saying he felt bad for Cespedes, who has worked hard to get back to playing and contributing to the team.
Callaway said he can only sympathize with Cespedes who has been trying to himself in a good spot to come out and be healthy for the team. Callaway was planning to use Cespedes as the designated hitter in their three-game series against the Yankees.
Callaway refused to discuss Cespedes's heel issues in detail, per team policy, as he wants to defer it to the team doctors. However, Callaway said the Mets are aware of the slugger's heel problem, but they believe that it won't be an issue when he rejoined the team from the DL.
"We thought his heels were in a really good spot coming in, or we wouldn't have activated him," Callaway said, adding that his slugger was good to go and in a good spot when he made his Friday's return.
According to Callaway, the team will continue to proceed on a day-to-day basis with Cespedes, meaning the Mets will check in with their slugger daily to gauge his availability.
Cespedes Played Just 38 Games This Season
This season, the 32-year-old Cespedes played just 38 games for the Mets, hitting .262 with nine homers and 29 RBIs. In 2016, Cespedes signed a four-year deal worth $110 million with the Mets, That season, he played in 132 games, hitting .280 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs.
Cespedes is set to earn $29 million this season and in 2019. In the last year of his deal, Cespedes will earn $29.5 million. However, with Cespedes's health issues, the Mets might not be getting their money's worth.
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