Yoenis Cespedes took Houston Astros starter Lance McCullers deep in the first inning of Sunday’s game batting out of the No. 2 spot.
This was his third home run of Spring Training so far, as he continues to get regular at-bats hitting second. This is a spot in the order manager Mickey Callaway says Cespedes may see ample time at during the regular season.
“We’re still thinking about that,” Callaway said. “The handedness we have in our lineup seems to make sense if certain guys lead off. We’ll have to see as we go.”
To Cespedes, however, he just wants to contribute anyway he can.
“It doesn’t matter which spot in the lineup I am,” Cespedes said through an interpreter. “I will do my best wherever I am.”
The two-time All-Star and former Home Run Derby champion appeared in just 81 games for the Mets in 2017 in a year where he was bogged down by injuries.
In 321 plate appearances, the outfielder hit .292/.352/.540 with 17 home runs and 42 RBI.
Cespedes made a conscious effort this offseason to mitigate his lingering hamstring issues. This includes running more and giving up his favorite off the field hobby, playing golf.
While he hasn’t spent too much time in the No. 2 historically, it is a spot where teams are now batting their best hitter, and when he is healthy, Cespedes can be just that for New York.
