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New York Mets say Yoenis Cespedes is opting out of the 2020 season

Aug 3, 2020, 03:04 IST
Insider
New York Mets left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) reacts after making an out during the MLB game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves on August 1, 2020 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA.Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
  • After the New York Mets said Yoenis Céspedes failed to report to the team's Sunday game in Atlanta, it was announced the outfielder is opting out of the 2020 season.
  • ESPN reported Sunday afternoon general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a statement reported by multiple outlets that Céspedes "did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence," but the team later said there was no concern about his safety.
  • Van Wagenen later told reporters after the Sunday game that Céspedes was opting out "for COVID-related reasons," but the decision came as a "surprise" to the team.
  • Céspedes went 0 for 4 in the team's 7-1 loss on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.
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New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes is opting out of the 2020 season for "covid-related" reasons, general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said after the team's Sunday afternoon game.

Van Wagenen described the decision as a "surprise," according to reporters who were present for the announcement.

Céspedes sparked concerns earlier in the afternoon when Van Wagenen said the team was unable to contact outfielder Céspedes after he failed to attend the team's Sunday game against the Atlanta Braves, ESPN reported.

"He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence," Van Wagenen said in a statement reported by ESPN. "Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful."

Céspedes has been the Mets' designated hitter this season, including for the team's Saturday game against the Braves, going 0 for 4 in a 7-1 loss, but was not listed in the original lineup for Sunday's afternoon game, according to the outlet.

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Céspedes, a two-time MLB All-Star, sparked headlines in January when it was reported he fractured his ankle while on his Port St. Lucie ranch when a wild boar charged at him, causing him to fall and suffer multiple fractures in his right ankle, Insider previously reported.

ESPN reported at the time that the incident caused the Céspedes to lose out on some of his salary, alleging he had breached his contract by participating in a prohibited activity.

Céspedes returned to the roster this season after missing much of the past two years due to a series of leg problems. The Associated Press reported that since he didn't begin the season on the injured list, his salary rose from $2,222,222, which was prorated from $6 million before this year's abbreviated schedule, to $4,074,074.

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