Ces, Matz & Lugo set for return
ATLANTA — The longawaited reinforcements finally have arrived.
In one giant swoop, the Mets will return their biggest bat and best lefthanded pitcher, when Yoenis Cespedes and Steven Matz are activated from the disabled list Saturday, ending weeks of waiting for both.
Cespedes, who has been on the disabled list since April 28, is expected to play one game in the doubleheader against the Braves at SunTrust Park, with Matz scheduled to make his season debut in the nightcap.
Only adding to the positive weekend vibes, Seth Lugo will be removed from the disabled list to pitch Sunday’s series finale. The right-hander also will be making his season debut.
Cespedes played a rehab game for Single-A St. Lucie on Thursday, after which it was determined he was physically ready to rejoin the Mets. He was originally placed on the DL with a strained left hamstring, but two weeks ago his right quadriceps began barking, ending his rehab assignment.
Matz, who was placed on the DL with elbow inflammation at the end of spring training, could give the Mets a rotation boost. Last season, the lefty went 9-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 22 starts before shoulder tightness and a bone spur in his elbow ended his season in August.
Manager Terry Collins now faces the challenge of trying to find playing time for four outfielders. Until recently, the decision would have been easy, with Curtis Granderson squeezed out. But after an abysmal start to the season, Granderson is 21for-67 (.313) with 11 RBIs over his previous 22 games.
Michael Conforto has emerged as the Mets’ most dependable offensive player and Jay Bruce is the team leader in homers (15) and RBIs (40).
Even with the infusion of Cespedes, Matz and Lugo, the Mets remain long term without their rotation ace (Noah Syndergaard) and closer (Jeurys Familia). There is no guarantee either will return this season. Syndergaard is rehabbing a partially torn lat muscle and Familia underwent surgery last month for a blood clot in his right shoulder.
So while Collins is excited to return three important players, the Mets are hardly whole.
“We’ve still got two big pieces missing,” Collins said.