New York Mets center fielder Yoenis Cespedes was hit on the left hand by a pitch from Philadelphia Phillies hurler Justin De Fratus in the third inning of Wednesday night’s game.
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Cespedes’ Hand X-Rays Negative
Wednesday, Sept. 30
The Mets announced Cespedes had a contusion of his index and middle fingers after the game.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported Cespedes “dropped his bat and let out a yelp” after being struck by a pitch, which forced him to leave the game.
“We’re very relieved he’s OK,” manager Terry Collins said, per Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal. Collins told reporters the outfielder wouldn’t play on Thursday, but the hope would be he’d play after that.
According to Newsday‘s Marc Carig, Kirk Nieuwenhuis came on as Cespedes’ replacement.
How Cespedes’ Injury Could Impact Mets
Cespedes made his Big Apple debut on Aug. 1 after the Mets acquired him from the Detroit Tigers, and they proceeded to win 10 of their first 12 games after his arrival.
All told, he has batted .287 while tallying 17 home runs and 44 RBI in just 53 games with the Mets. He’s also posted a .610 slugging percentage and .940 OPS en route to cementing his status as a National League MVP contender.
Cespedes has power that can single-handedly help stabilize the Mets lineup, and the team’s batting splits prove as much. Prior to the All-Star break, New York ranked 28th in total runs scored but now ranks No. 2 overall behind only the Toronto Blue Jays.
New York has already clinched a playoff spot, but if Cespedes is forced to miss extended action, the Mets’ hopes of representing the National League in the World Series would take a serious hit.
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