Banged-up Cespedes takes seat

CHICAGO — Yoenis Cespedes was getting a day off whether he wanted it or not Wednesday.

With the outfielder still bothered by leg discomfort and the Mets facing an important three games in Miami beginning Friday, manager Terry Collins took the safe route in the series finale at Wrigley Field.

“We know that by far his legs are not close to being 100 percent,” Collins said before the Mets’ 6-2 loss to the Cubs. “We saw it [Tuesday] night and we thought the extra day might help him.”

Cespedes was recently shifted from center to left field to reduce the mileage on his legs, but the spacious Marlins Park outfield could present a challenge for him.

“[The rest] is not going to get him 100 percent, but it’s got to get him better, because that Florida outfield is tough,” Collins said. “That’s a tough place to play. We need to get him closer to healthy as we can before we run him out there.” Reliever Jim Henderson, who was pitching at Triple-A Las Vegas on a rehab assignment from shoulder tendinitis, recently reported a hamstring issue and will return to Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Henderson’s rehab assignment was scheduled to end this week and he was expected to be optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. But the right-hander will remain on the disabled list as he restarts his rehab for the hamstring problem.

Zack Wheeler is expected to throw a bullpen session in Miami on Friday in front of team officials. Wheeler, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, began throwing from a mound last week in his latest restart following a setback. The righty is hopeful he can join the team in mid-to-late August.

Lucas Duda, who is recovering from a stress fracture in his lower back, took grounders and dry swings in Port St. Lucie. The first baseman could be in line for a mid-August return.