New York Mets slugger Yoenis Céspedes skipped Sunday’s game at Atlanta, after which the team said the 34-year-old would not be joining them for the remainder of the season.
The game began with the team indicating they had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach Céspedes.
“As of game time, Yoenis Céspedes has not reported to the ballpark today. He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence,” general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement.
During the New York-Atlanta game, Mets broadcasters said they had learned from the team that the club doesn’t believe Céspedes’ safety is at risk.
After the game, Van Wagenen said: “He’s decided to opt out of the remainder of the season for COVID-related reasons.” Van Wagenen said the organization was notified by Céspedes’ agent of his intent during the game.
Céspedes has been the Mets’ designated hitter this season, taking advantage of a new rule this year that allows DHs in the National League.
He went 0-for-4 during a 7-1 loss Saturday night in Atlanta. He was 5 for 31 (.161) with 15 strikeouts this year as the Mets’ designated hitter. A two-time All-Star, Céspedes returned to the lineup this season for the first time since July 20, 2018, after a series of injuries.
He missed most of the past two years with a series of leg problems, getting surgery on both heels and then a broken ankle after a tumble at his Florida ranch in a supposed run-in with a wild boar.
Because he didn’t begin the season on the injured list with a foot injury, Céspedes’ salary rose from $2,222,222 prorated ($6 million before the schedule was shortened) to $4,074,074 ($11 million before the change).
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