The second half of the season could be more interesting than the Mets’ record suggests.
David Wright could make his long-awaited return. Tim Tebow could play at Citi Field.
And in less than a week, Yoenis Cespedes could be back in the lineup.
The 32-year-old slugger, who has been out since May 13 because of a hip flexor, and strained quadriceps, will play five innings in left field in a simulated game Monday in Port St. Lucie. If Cespedes doesn’t have a setback, the Mets will ramp up his activity, and soon have him play a full nine-inning game.
Mickey Callaway said Cespedes would have to play back-to-back days in the outfield before being brought back to the majors, and the manager is hopeful the two-time All-Star could return — potentially as a designated hitter — for Friday’s game in The Bronx against the Yankees.
“That’s something we’re keeping in mind.,” Callaway said of a Subway Series return. “The way rehab has gone, and can go, we can’t determine what’s gonna happen, but we would like him to be available, obviously, as soon as possible.”
Cespedes has appeared in just 37 games this season, hitting .255 with eight home runs. When he last played, the Mets were 19-18.
The Mets will open the second half of the season with Noah Syndergaard on the mound, followed by Steven Matz and Jacob deGrom.
A high-ranking team source disputed a report that Callaway is a near-certainty to return next year, and said the manager’s status will not be discussed until a full-time general manager is named after the season.
Asdrubal Cabrera was removed in the seventh inning of Sunday’s 6-1 loss after attempting to field a grounder with his right (throwing) hand. He underwent an X-ray, which was negative, and is considered day-to-day with soreness.
Anthony Swarzak (0-2) walked the only two batters he faced, and was tagged with two earned runs. Swarzak, who signed a two-year, $14 million deal in the offseason, currently has a 7.47 ERA, and has allowed six runs in his past four appearances (1 ²/₃ innings), and nine runs in his past 10 ¹/₃ innings.
“I’m not gonna let 10 innings dictate my career, or my time as a Met,” Swarzak said. “My last 10 innings haven’t been too good, but there’s a lot of baseball left. I hope I get another opportunity to throw the ball again, and I’m confident in myself, so it’s gonna happen.”
— additional reporting by Mike Puma
