Cespedes returns from bruised thigh, back in Mets' lineup
![Cespedes returns from bruised thigh, back in Mets' lineup Cespedes returns from bruised thigh, back in Mets' lineup](https://www.si.com/.image/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/MTY4MTczMjE0NjUxMzkzMjk3/201604262054752735732.jpg)
NEW YORK (AP) Yoenis Cespedes is back in the New York Mets' lineup after missing five starts with a bruised right thigh.
The slugger was set to bat cleanup and play center field Friday night against San Francisco in the opener of a three-game series.
Cespedes initially got hurt jumping into the stands in pursuit of a foul ball. He aggravated the bruise sliding into second base last Friday in Atlanta and hadn't started since. He came off the bench for one at-bat during that span, delivering a tying, pinch-hit, three-run homer Tuesday against Cincinnati.
Cespedes began the night batting .300 with six homers and a team-high 17 RBIs. He had at least one extra-base hit in his last eight games.
Concerned about Cespedes getting hurt on another slide, Mets manager Terry Collins says he told the outfielder to take it easy if necessary.