Report: Mets DH Yoenis Céspedes chooses to opt out after skipping Sunday game

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: It appears Céspedes is opting out of the rest of the 2020 season.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: The latest speculation is that Céspedes is considering opting out, per Jon Heyman.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The Mets told reporter Bob Nightengale the absence is not related to Covid-19 and he has not told the team he is opting out.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: The Mets reportedly “have learned they have no reason to believe Cespedes’ safety is at risk.”

The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves have begun their Sunday series finale, and Yoenis Céspedes is nowhere to be seen. The outfielder and designated hitter did not report to the ballpark and the team has been unable to reach him. The Mets released the following statement.

“As of game time, Yoenis Céspedes has not reported to the ballpark today. He did not reach out to management with any explanation for his absence. Our attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.”

Through eight games, Céspedes has a slash line of .161/.235/.387 playing exclusively in the designated hitter role. J.D. Davis is starting as the team’s DH for Sunday’s game. Mets manager Luis Rojas had said before the game the Mets want to continue giving Céspedes regular playing time, but “don’t have him in there today,” according to Newsday reporter Tim Healey. Since those statements, Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen acknowledged the absence with his statement.