Yoenis Cespedes Injury: Updates on Mets Star's Leg and Return

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes suffered a leg injury against the Atlanta Braves on April 22. However, he is ready to make his return. 

Continue for updates.

---

Cespedes Returns to Lineup vs. Reds

Tuesday, April 26

Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reported Cespedes pinch-hit for the Mets in the seventh inning on Tuesday night against Cincinnati and hit a game-tying three-run home run. 

---

Alderson Comments on Cespedes' Status

Monday, April 25

Rubin noted Cespedes had fluid drained from his knee.  Mets general manager Sandy Alderson provided some encouraging news:

"

At the moment we're looking at it on a day-by-day basis. Fortunately we have the depth that we anticipated we would need, and so we've been able to survive his absence over the last several days. And I'm sure we'll do our best to survive over the next two or three. But, right now, I don't see it being a DL. That could change, obviously, with a different medical opinion as time goes on. But I don't see that.

"

---

Cespedes Provides Major Impact in Middle of Mets Lineup

Cespedes joined the Mets at last season's trade deadline, and in addition to their dominant pitching staff, he was a huge factor in their surprising run to the World Series.

The Cuban slugger hit .287 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 57 games with the Mets, and he even warranted some consideration for the National League MVP award despite only playing about one-third of the campaign in that league.

He finished his career year with a .291 batting average, 35 homers and 105 RBI, which made him a hot commodity on the free-agent market. Cespedes decided to return to the Big Apple, and he continues to be the centerpiece of the Mets lineup.

Cespedes is currently hitting .288 with five home runs and 14 RBI, and he missed just three games in 2015 after playing in 152 in 2014.

The 30-year-old is also a strong defensive player who won his first career Gold Glove last season. He has one of the best outfield arms in baseball.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.