Yoenis Cespedes played the innings on the left court and took a shot against the Mets best pitcher, but like other team members were not allowed to run on Sunday.
All were part of the veteran’s outfielder’s development, according to manager Luis Rojas, when the Mets tried to get Cespedes ready for the season opener on July 24.
Cespedes, facing Jacob deGrom in a simulation game, conveys what should be a single plane to the right if he is allowed to run the base. But Rojas had previously instructed the players not to run.
Cespedes attempted to return from a separate heel operation and several right ankle fractures that occurred in an accident on his farm involving wild boar.
“That was a good day today [for Cespedes]”Rojas said.” I want us to continue to build on this and our communication with the performance staff will dictate it. It was a positive day to take him there with other friends, it has been a long time since he was in the left field here at Citi Field . “
Amed Rosario and Marcus Stroman appeared in team training for the first time. Rosario is the only member of the initial lineup who did not participate in the morning simulation game – he was replaced at the shortstop by Andres Gimenez – but he worked with other groups later on.
Tyler Bashlor retired from all five batters he faced in the morning simulation game. Team officials have tried to get the person using the right hand to use his curveball and changeup balls to prevent the hitter from sitting on the ball fast.
“These are men who have special items,” Rojas said. “I am pleased that today he showed him expanding his repertoire and he came to the point where we wanted him to see that he could not only pump a fast ball there, but he had a few more weapons to make fighters think and be unbalanced.”
The lefty, who threw to the 6.95 ERA in 24 appearances last season with the Mets, competed for a place in the bullpen.
