Cespedes Injury
The New York Mets injury woes continue, this time with their top slugger winding up on the 10-day disabled list. Left fielder Yoenis Cespedes pulled a hamstring in the Mets loss to the Atlanta Braves on April 27, 2017. He injured the same muscle last week, and returned to the lineup the day before Thursday’s game. In the bottom of the fourth, the 31-year-old slugger hit a one-hop double, but pulled up lame as he rounded first. He left the game after hobbling into second base safely. The slugger is on the 10-day disabled list, but it is unclear how long he will be out.
His absence will hurt the struggling Mets. He owns a slash line of .270/.373/.619/.992, with six home runs and ten RBI in 75 plate appearances. In the field, he has had 31 chances, converting 27 to outs, two assists, and committing two errors.
Replacements
Outfielder Michael Conforto is the obvious choice to replace Cespedes while he recovers. Conforto has 52 plate appearances for the Mets in 18 games. He owns a slash line of .302/.385/.605/.989 in 52 plate appearances. He’s hit four homers and owns eight RBI. In the field, Conforto has had 28 defensive chances, 27 putouts, one assist, and has credit for one double play. He and Cespedes have identical WAR of 0.6.
The Mets recalled Sean Gilmartin from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill the 20-man roster. The lefty is a relief pitcher who has stamina. This season, Gilmartin has seen one appearance to get two outs to finish a game, before returning to the minors. If Noah Syndergaard‘s tendinitis continues to flair, Gilmartin could take the start.
Mets Injury Report
The Mets find themselves 7.5 games behind the first place Washington Nationals. With everyday first baseman Lucas Duda (elbow) and Wilmer Flores (knee infection) on the DL, the Mets injury woes continue to grow. Syndergaard missed his last start due to tendinitis in his biceps, and his status is unknown.
Per John Hayman, Duda is beginning his rehab assignment to prepare to return to the majors:
more mets injury news: duda starting his rehab assignment now. flores isnt far behind.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 28, 2017
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