Cespedes’ ideal return falls through

ARLINGTON, Texas — Yoenis Cespedes’ return to designated hitter against the Rangers never materialized, but the Mets slugger is “close” to rejoining the team, according to assistant general manager John Ricco.

“He had another productive day down in Florida,” Ricco said before the Mets lost 10-8 to the Rangers on Tuesday.

Cespedes, who is returning from a strained left hamstring — he also recently incurred right quadriceps discomfort — ran full speed in Port St. Lucie, according to Ricco, and indicated there was no discomfort in his legs. But Ricco said Cespedes wasn’t tested on the bases because of weather issues.

Last week, general manager Sandy Alderson said he hoped to have Cespedes for this two-game series in Texas as the DH. Now, the earliest the Mets would see Cespedes is Friday in Atlanta, where he would have to play the outfield.

“We are getting close and whether or not [rehab] games is the next step, we’ll find out in the next couple of days,” Ricco said.

Cespedes has been on the disabled list since April 28. He played six innings in a rehab game for Single-A St. Lucie on May 26, but later indicated he had discomfort in his quadriceps.

➤ Juan Lagares matched a career high with four hits after getting the start in center field, as Curtis Granderson shifted to DH — manager Terry Collins wanted Lagares’ legs in spacious center field at Globe Life Park. Among the manager’s other options was playing Granderson in center and starting Jose Reyes.

➤ The Mets’ five home runs were their second-highest total in a game this season. They hit seven at Philadelphia on April 11.