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Terry Collins won't blame golf for Yoenis Cespedes' injury

Chris Cwik
Staff writer

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes may want to think about cutting back on his favorite hobby for a few days. The Mets placed Cespedes on the disabled list Wednesday with an injured quad, which some have speculated he may have aggravated while playing golf.

Don’t count Mets manager Terry Collins among that bunch.

To fully understand the situation, let’s just back a few days. Cespedes has been dealing with a quad injury since late July. He missed Sunday and Monday’s games due to the injury. He did not start Tuesday’s game, but he was able to pinch-hit.

Despite the fact that he had missed three straight starts, Cespedes was able to get in a round of golf with former major leaguer Kevin Millar on Wednesday afternoon.

Prior to Wednesday’s game, Collins was asked about Cespedes playing golf despite the injury. Collins defended the decision, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.

“Was he running on the course or was he walking? Did he ride a cart or was he jogging?” Collins asked. “I don’t have any problem with it.”

Collins looked to be vindicated Wednesday night, as Cespedes returned to the starting lineup as the team’s designated hitter. It looked like the slugger was fine, and the whole golf controversy would blow over.

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That was not the case. Shortly after the contest, the team announced Cespedes would be placed on the disabled list. That invited more questions from the media about Cespedes hitting the links Wednesday, which led to more frustration from Collins.

MIAMI, FL - JULY 23: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets hits an RBI single during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JULY 23: Yoenis Cespedes #52 of the New York Mets hits an RBI single during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 23, 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

This is not the first time Cespedes’ addiction to golf has been the cause of controversy. The outfielder left Game 4 of last year’s NLCS with a shoulder injury. Many speculated he may have aggravated that injury playing golf the day before the game. Once again, Collins refused to blame golf for the issue. Cespedes was able to return for the World Series, but hit .150/.143/.150 over 21 plate appearances.

Whether it’s to blame or not, Cespedes’ golf habit has now put Collins in an uncomfortable spot multiple times. While Collins continues to defend his outfielder, he’s clearly getting agitated having to answer questions about the subject.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik