June 29, 2020 4:28 PM : Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday that he's "optimistic" about Cespedes (ankle) being ready for game action when the team opens its season in late July, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Analysis: Other than indicating that Cespedes was in better shape now than he was when spring training shut down in mid-March, Van Wagenen didn't provide many specifics regarding where the 34-year-old stands in his recovery from ankle and heel surgeries. Before MLB's hiatus, Cespedes had been able to take live batting practice and was shagging flies in the outfield, but he hadn't yet progressed to running the bases. If he's able to complete a running program over the next three weeks without any complications, Cespedes should have a decent shot at reclaiming an everyday role with the Mets. Thanks to the implementation of the universal designated hitter, Cespedes wouldn't have to play left field as frequently as he's had to in the past, which would reduce the strain on his legs.