There was a sight for sore Mets eyes Tuesday afternoon at Citi Field, and it went well enough to continue on Wednesday.
Yoenis Cespedes took six at-bats in a simulated game against fellow disabled list member Noah Syndergaard, the next step in the Mets left fielder’s progression toward getting in a real game for the first time since May 13.
Sidelined with a strained right hip flexor, Cespedes saw 15 pitches from Syndergaard. He struck out swinging the first time through and later fouled a ball off his foot, but ended the game with what looked like his first hit on a liner through the right side.
Cespedes did not run any bases but is expected to do so Wednesday, in addition to getting some outfield work, as the Mets move forward with his rehab process.
“He’s in a good spot,” manager Mickey Callaway said after the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the Orioles. “He’ll come in [Wednesday] and we’ll get some more specific skills going on and see where he’s at after that. He came out of it really good.”
Callaway said over the weekend Cespedes may not need a rehab assignment before he comes off the disabled list. The 32-year-old began a running program and taking batting practice on May 25, but has not spoken to the media since May 6 to provide any insight as to how he has been feeling. Team officials tried to get him to speak Tuesday, but he declined again.
General manager Sandy Alderson said last week that Cespedes’ injury is a “somewhat chronic” issue, but was surprised his recovery had taken this long.
The Mets fell to 8-13 in Cespedes’ absence Tuesday, sorely lacking his right-handed bat again in their struggling lineup.
The club did get two reinforcements back Tuesday in third baseman Todd Frazier and reliever Anthony Swarzak, who were both activated off the DL.
Frazier batted cleanup and went 0-for-4 in his first game since May 7 after recovering from a left hamstring strain. He was excited to be back after going on the DL for the first time in his career.
“I needed it, I guess I needed that time off,” Frazier said. “It was difficult to figure out when this thing was eventually going to heal up so I could get back and help this team win.”
During a three-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas, Frazier went 4-for-9. Callaway said the Mets need his presence again offensively, defensively and in the clubhouse.
While his return alone may not be the secret to unlocking the Mets’ offensive potential, Frazier was embracing the pressure.
“I’ve been in those situations before when guys go down and I have to step up. It’s fine with me,” Frazier said. “Right now, we just gotta win games and focus on that and get back to where we need to be. I think we’ll be OK once we start. I’m one of those pieces where we gotta get going, and a couple more are coming right behind hopefully.”
Making his first appearance since March 31 because of a strained left oblique, Swarzak was thrown right into action as he tossed a scoreless ninth with a walk and a strikeout.
“I know that I don’t need any training wheels, per se,” said Swarzak, who will provide some relief for an overworked bullpen. “I did the best I could to get on the field as quick as I could and here I am.”
