Cespedes hit by pitch on left hand, exits
By Anthony DiComo / MLB.com | @AnthonyDiComo | 33 minutes ago + 0 COMMENTS
PHILADELPHIA -- One of the Mets' worst-case scenarios flashed before them in the third inning Wednesday, when Yoenis Cespedes left the game after Phillies pitcher Justin De Fratus hit him on the left hand with an 89-mph fastball. Cespedes immediately dropped his bat and fell to the ground, remaining there for several moments before walking off the field.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis replaced Cespedes as a pinch-runner at first base. Though umpires initially ruled it a foul ball off the knob of Cespedes' bat, a replay review overturned that call.
Cespedes, the Mets' prized non-waiver Trade Deadline acquisition, was batting .287 with 17 home runs in 53 games for the Mets. All 17 of those homers came within a 31-game stretch from mid-August through mid-September, prompting a wave of National League MVP support.
He will be a free agent after this season.
Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDiComo and Facebook, and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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