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NY Mets outfielder opts out of playing, blames COVID

Posted on August 3, 2020 at 9:04 am by Brett Levine

FILE - In this July 20, 2018, file photo, New York Mets' Yoenis Cespedes stretches before a baseball game against the New York Yankees in New York. When baseball comes back next month, Cespedes might finally be ready to return, too. Sidelined for nearly two years by injuries and then the coronavirus pandemic, the Mets slugger could be healthy enough at last to play on opening day in late July — especially with the designated hitter available in the National League this season. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday, June 29, 2020, the team is optimistic about Céspedes. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — New York Mets slugger Yoenis Céspedes opted out of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic, providing some clarity after the team said it was unable to locate him. Céspedes did not report to the ballpark for the Mets’ game at Atlanta, and the team said in a statement it had been unable to contact him. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen said the organization was notified by Céspedes’ agent during its 4-0 loss that he had decided to opt out for “for COVID-related reasons.” Céspedes went 0 for 4 during a 7-1 loss Saturday night in Atlanta. He is 5 for 31 (.161) with 15 strikeouts this season.

(PHOTO: AP IMAGES)