Yoenis Céspedes expects to be the designated hitter for the New York Mets on Friday when they open the season against the Atlanta Braves.
It will be his first major league game in more than two years. A string of injuries to his feet and legs have sidelined him since July 20, 2018.
Céspedes said he’s feeling good and is confident that he’ll also play left field at some point this season. But he told reporters through a translator Tuesday that “at least for the first game, for opening day, I’ll be the DH.”
New York Mets Jeff McNeil, right, watches Yoenis Cespedes take batting practice before an exhibition game against the New York Yankees, Sunday, July 19, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP PhotoKathy Willens)
The 34-year-old slugger, an All-Star in 2014 and 2016, had surgery on both heels and then broke his right ankle in a nasty fall at his Florida ranch. Now he's healthy and eager to help the Mets.
“I think the strongest part of me is my mind, is my mentality,” Céspedes said. “I think whether it’s a good day or a bad day, my mentality has always been strong. I’ll be ready to play once the time comes.”
TANAKA RETURNS
New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka runs through drills at the Yankees summer baseball training camp, Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Tanaka was hit in the head by Giancarlo Stanton's line drive July 4th and suffered a mild concussion, but says he is progressing and feels lucky. (AP PhotoKathy Willens)
Masahiro Tanaka threw 20 pitches during batting practice Tuesday and is on track to miss one turn in the New York Yankees' rotation before making first start July 31 against Boston.
Tanaka walked two in his one inning. It was his first time facing batters since he was hit in the head by Giancarlo Stanton’s line drive on July 4.
Tanaka is to throw batting practice again on Sunday, likely 35-40 pitches.
New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake, left, watches starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka throw in the outfield at the Yankees summer baseball training camp, Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Tanaka was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton on July 4th. (AP PhotoKathy Willens)
“If everything comes out OK, I should be ready to go,” he said through a translator.
He did not use a protective screen. Tanaka thought about getting hit only before delivering his first pitch.
“After I threw that, it was back to business, back to normal,” he said.
The 31-year-old right-hander is 75-43 in six major league seasons and is entering the final year of his contract.
NORRIS RETURNS
Detroit Tigers left-hander Daniel Norris returned to camp Tuesday after testing positive for the coronavirus last month.
Norris threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and is scheduled to pitch a simulated game on Thursday.
Norris said he was tested while still in Florida but didn’t receive his positive result until he arrived in Detroit for the start of camp.
He said he was taking precautions while in Florida.
“It was crazy down there. Everything was like open and semi-normal, but I wasn’t partaking in all that,” he said. “I just kind of figured I was doing enough to not get it.”
Norris said his symptoms didn’t seem major at first — he woke up sweating a bit and achy — but in retrospect, he realized those symptoms may have been more significant.
“The heavy symptoms only lasted a few days,” Norris said. “A few days after that test, I was like, ‘I feel like 100 percent.’”
He said he sent out a message to teammates telling them not to take the virus lightly.
RED SOX ADD COVEY
The Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Dylan Covey from the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.
He has been added to the club player pool. Left-hander Bobby Poyner was removed from the pool but remains in the organization.
The 28-year-old Covey has made 63 appearances with 45 starts in a three-year career with the Chicago White Sox. He is 6-29 with a 6.54 ERA.
AP Sports Writer Noah Trister contributed to this report.
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