After sustaining a slew of leg injuries throughout his New York Mets tenure, Yoenis Cespedes has decided to put down his golf clubs, at least for now.
Everyone knows how frustrating Yoenis Cespedes’ continual nagging injuries have been over the last two seasons. Whether it has been his hamstring, quad, or calf, he has had a tough time staying on the field.
Here are the reasons Yoenis Cespedes won't be squeezing in 9 holes during his down time: https://t.co/kkxpWPFEkq
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 22, 2018
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, Cespedes decided to make a serious lifestyle change due to a recommendation from Mets strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis.
That’s right, he will no longer be playing golf in 2018. By doing so, Cespedes and Barwis hope to keep the slugger more hydrated and rested. Limiting the amount of stress Cespedes puts on his body, especially his lower half, seems to be the main focus of this move.
Even more interesting is the fact that Cespedes has not hit the links since last July. It seems that after an injury-riddled 2017 that saw him play only 81 games, he will be making a concerted effort to stay on the field and effective in 2018.
This news comes out just a couple days after Cespedes announced that he had taken up yoga in the offseason. He did so in an attempt to make his body more flexible and less tight simultaneously.
These events are all part of Cespedes’ bid to win the MVP award in 2018. When interviewed in Port St. Lucie, Cespedes had this to say, “I have goals for long-term and short term, but it is same. I want to be an MVP.”
An MVP level campaign is exactly what the Mets will be expecting from their slugging left fielder as he enters the second year of his four-year, $110 million contract.
The expectations will be high, but Cespedes seems more serious than ever about answering the call this season.
