Cespedes prefers switch back to LF to stay healthy

Until Sunday's 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, the New York Mets had been playing without one of their most potent bats, Yoenis Cespedes, in the lineup due to issues with his legs.

The 30-year-old slugger, whose played mostly in center field throughout the 2016 campaign, returned to play left field for the Mets on Sunday, and he hopes the team will continue to utilize him there to save on his health.

"I'd rather play left field because I feel more comfortable and also it's less work on my leg," he told reporters.

Manager Terry Collins confirmed Cespedes would remain in left for the time being to help him recover from his ailments.

He was forced to leave a game against the Washington Nationals on July 8 after three innings with a right quad strain, an injury that's hampered him at other times throughout the season.

He returned to go 0-for-3 with a walk against the Phillies, but didn't feel like he was back to full health, although he felt fine playing in the outfield.

"I don't think I'm at 100 percent. I'm probably around 80-to-90 per cent, but I can hold myself up to play," he said. "In the outfield I felt okay. At home plate, my timing is a little off. I didn't feel 100 per cent."

Juan Lagares, who won a Gold Glove in 2014, slotted into center field during Sunday's contest and could see the majority of playing time at the position if Cespedes transitions back to left for the remainder of the season.

New York also recalled outfielder Michael Conforto from Triple-A Las Vegas Sunday, providing them with another outfield option if they need it, although he's more familiar with playing left than anywhere else.