Mets' Cespedes aims to be ready for Opening Day
Oft-injured New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes thinks he'll be ready for Opening Day.
Through interpreter Alan Suriel, Cespedes told reporters on Sunday he's making significant progress while recovering from multiple heel surgeries and a fractured ankle.
Yoenis Céspedes says he thinks he can be ready for Opening Day (through interpreter Alan Suriel). pic.twitter.com/vbROk5Cew1
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 23, 2020
"I feel good," he said. "I'm happy with the progress. Every day I'm still working to get better and better. It's not as fast as I want it to be, but as the season approaches I'm feeling like I'm really good right now."
Cespedes added that if he continues to progress at his current rate, he's confident about being ready on Opening Day.
The 34-year-old maintained his stance about not discussing the past and only wants to look forward. He admitted to making a mistake that led to an incident involving a wild boar on his ranch, paying the price, and he's now looking ahead.
Cespedes missed the 2019 season and was limited to 38 games in 2018 due to a variety of injuries. He last played 100-plus games in 2016, when the veteran hit .280 with 31 home runs and 86 RBIs in 132 contests.
The time away has inspired him to return strong. When asked how motivated he is to succeed on a scale of one to 10, Cespedes answered, "12," according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.