Mets’ Cespedes to have surgery

NEW YORK—The New York Mets finally have some clarity about Yoenis Cespedes’ health. But now they may be without their oft-injured slugger well into the 2019 season.

The Mets announced Wednesday that Cespedes would undergo a pair of surgeries to remove calcifications in both of his heels, an ailment that has bothered him dating back to his teenage years.

John Ricco, one of three executives filling the general manager’s role with Sandy Alderson on a leave of absence following the reoccurrence of cancer, said an MRI on the 32-year-old Cespedes revealed the calcification around his Achilles tendons as well as bone spurs on each heel.

Cespedes is expected to have the first surgery this week. Ricco said the second surgery would take place in about two to three months and the Mets hope that the outfielder can return in eight to 10 months, though the recovery may take longer. He added that Cespedes’ injuries are not considered career-threatening.

“Nobody likes to have surgery, go through surgery, anytime,” Cespedes said through an interpreter at a pregame news conference. “I tried to do my best, tried to stay on the field and play a lot. But we exhausted all the conservative treatment options and there was a moment where I was not able to be on the field.”

Despite his various ailments, Cespedes has been a difference-maker for the Mets when on the field. He sparked a run to the 2015 World Series by hitting 17 homers in 59 regular-season games. In January 2016, he signed a three-year deal with an optout clause after one season and went on to hit .280 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs in 132 games for New York, which reached the National League wild-card game.