Yoenis Céspedes has decided not to play out the rest of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen announced on Sunday afternoon.
Céspedes did not report to the Mets’ game against the Braves on Sunday at Truist Park in Atlanta, and had not initially provided an explanation to team officials, according to a statement released earlier Sunday afternoon by Van Wagenen.
“As of game time, Yoenis Céspedes has not reported to the ballpark today,” the full statement read. “He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence. Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.”
Céspedes, 34, made the Mets’ Opening Day roster after more than two years away due to heel and ankle injuries. He hit a home run on Opening Day and played in eight of the Mets’ first nine games, but he was out of Sunday’s lineup for what initially appeared to be a routine day of rest. Overall, Céspedes was batting .161 with two home runs and 15 strikeouts in 34 plate appearances.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen made a statement saying Yoenis Céspedes did not report to the ballpark in Atlanta on Sunday.
The team added that there is no reason to think Cespedes’ safety is at risk.
“As of game time, Yoenis Cespedes has not reported to the ballpark today,” the statement read. “He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence. Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.”
Cespedes was in the lineup on Saturday against the Braves, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Over eight games this season, Cespedes is hitting .161/.235/.387 with two homers and four RBI.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].