Yoenis Céspedes suddenly gave up on the New York Mets amidst the coronavirus
Céspedes missed the last two seasons due to his injuries.
New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes has opted out of the 2020 Major League Baseball Series without any warning.
On Sunday, Céspedes did not show up for the team’s afternoon game against the Atlanta Braves.
Some fans and MLB players feared the worst, and it took hours before Céspedes’ agent sent word to the team.
Céspedes chose to leave his team in light of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
“It was surprising, without question,” said Van Wagenen. Céspedes’ decision to leave his team might have affected the Mets’ 4-0 loss against the Braves, one of the team’s rivals, The New York Daily News reported.
“He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence,” Van Wagenen said in a statement before the Mets had clarity on Céspedes’ status. “Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.”
Céspedes missed the last two seasons due to his injuries. His return since has not been remarkable. In the last eight games this season, he was batting .161, with two homers overall, The New York Times reported.
The Mets are currently on a five-game losing streak.
READ MORE: Ian Desmond calls out MLB for racism as he opts out of 2020 season
“I think it’s disappointing for the fans, from my vantage point prior to this job and then since. Yo’s a great player that I think everyone enjoyed watching play when he was at his best. There was optimism for his return. I know how hard he worked in his rehab to get back to this point, and I know this is a disappointing end to at least his four-year agreement with the Mets. I know it wasn’t for a lack of work ethic on his part to try to get back,” said Van Wagenen.
Though they eventually lost, Céspedes helped lead the Mets into the 2015 World Series, something the team hadn’t not done since 2000.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
