Ces silent as slump persists

ST. LOUIS — Yoenis Cespedes had nothing to say Saturday. The Mets slugger went 0-for-4 and is now 5 for his last 37 atbats over the last 15 days. Since coming off the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, Cespedes has hit .284 but has lacked the power that the Mets have needed.

Cespedes declined to speak to reporters after the Mets’ 4-1 loss to the Cardinals Saturday.

Terry Collins said that the 31-year-old had not complained of any physical issues since missing Tuesday’s game with cramping in his right hamstring. He is just struggling at the plate.

“He’s our run producer. He’s the middle of the lineup. We got to get him going,” Collins said. “Again, when you see what he’s done in the past. He’s doing the same things. I’ve watched his cage work, I’ve watched him on the field. He’s just not barrelling up the ball. He’s getting some pitches to hit and he’s not doing any damage with them.”

In the 23 games since he’s been back from the DL, Cespedes has just seven extra-base hits, three home runs, and driven in nine runs. He has struck out 13 times in 81 at-bats and drawn two walks.

That’s not ideal for a player that the Mets signed to a fouryear, $110 million deal last winter to carry their lineup. his swing was good. He had a real long inning and they made two or three pitching changes and he stood out there and got stiff so he thinks that’s why it stiffened up on him a bit,” Collins said. “He said he felt really good. I’m hoping he gets back in there and is comfortable.”

Conforto said he expects to be able to play in Tuesday’s AllStar Game. He was voted in as a reserve by the players.