New York Mets: Is Yoenis Cespedes spending too long on the DL?

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has missed more time than expected. Is he taking his rehab seriously?

Some interesting words came from the mouth of New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson last week. When discussing the injuries to Todd Frazier and Yoenis Cespedes, Alderson said he was “surprised” the latter had not returned to the lineup.

Sandy Alderson said he is a little surprised Cespedes is still on the DL, given it was a hip flexor injury and not a quad. As for a timetable: "I won't say he is close, but I don't think he is that far away."
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) May 31, 2018

We can read into this many ways. One thing is for sure, it’s an unusual comment for a general manager to make.

There’s no denying Cespedes has had a rough 2018. Before he landed on the disabled list, Yo was on pace to set a new career-high in strikeouts. Through his first 152 trips to the plate. Cespedes struck out 50 times.

At a rate of once every three plate appearances, 200 Ks looked possible.

Cespedes did deliver in the power department with 8 home runs. His batting line was a mediocre .255/.316/.474 with some promise at moving upward once the weather warmed up.

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Unfortunately, these hot May days we’re sweating through are absent of Cespedes bombs.

Cespedes last played on May 13th when the Mets took on the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Prior to the DL stint, Cespedes had been dealing with nagging injuries. It wasn’t a surprise to see him land on the disabled list. The shock is that it when it’s all said and done, Cespedes may miss a full month.

The story of the year for the Mets have been their injuries and the length in which they have removed players from the roster. Both Travis d’Arnaud and Juan Lagares suffered season-ending ailments. Pitcher Anthony Swarzak mine as well have sat out the year. He has made only two appearances all year before landing on the disabled list.

It’s impossible to prevent injuries and it’s important to let players fully heal before returning. At the same time, we need to believe players are doing everything they can to get back on the field as quickly as possible. Can we, in all honesty, say Cespedes has done so?

Next: Brandon Nimmo missing from the All-Star ballot

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Alderson doesn’t seem to think so. At least, that’s how I interpret his words.

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