Mets' Cespedes plays 1B, homers in rehab game

New York Mets star Yoenis Cespedes played first base for the first time in his professional career during a rehab game with the team's Rookie League affiliate Wednesday. Cespedes, typically an outfielder, went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in playing all nine innings of the contest at first base for the GCL Mets. Cespedes, out since May 13 with a strained right hip flexor and a chronic heel injury, had been taking groundballs at first base while rehabbing in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Cespedes told the team he's willing to move to the position, assistant general manager John Ricco told the New York Post last week. The 32-year-old has played only in the outfield, primarily left field in recent seasons, during his MLB career. Cespedes has played just 37 games this season after appearing in only 81 last year because of hamstring injuries. He is making $29 million this season in the second year of a four-year, $110 million contract. Cespedes hit .255 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs this year before his latest injury. He had struck out in 50 of his first 137 at-bats. Cespedes could return to the Mets as soon as this weekend, and he will come back as an outfielder, manager Mickey Callaway previously told reporters. Cespedes is 2-for-8 in two rehab games thus far. --Field Level Media