Mets' Collins fine with ailing Cespedes playing golf

Although a wonky right quadriceps kept Yoenis Cespedes out of the New York Mets' lineup for Tuesday's victory over the boys from the Bronx, it wasn't enough to stop the 30-year-old outfielder from outclassing Kevin Millar on the golf course Wednesday afternoon.

Provided he wasn't walking for 18 holes, though, Mets manager Terry Collins had no issue with Cespedes, an avid golfer, hitting the links with his balky leg.

"Was he running on the course or was he walking? Did he ride a cart or was he jogging?" Collins asked, according to ESPN's Adam Rubin. "I don't have any problem with it."

Collins' approval comes only a few months after the Cuban star drew the ire of many in Queens when he hurt his A/C joint in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series hours after an early-morning golf match.

Cespedes, who will start at designated hitter Wednesday at Yankee Stadium after being omitted from the lineup in the past three games, said he felt discomfort in his quadriceps as he legged out an infield single in a pinch-hit appearance Tuesday.

"I felt a little discomfort running down the line, but once I got into the dugout it went away," Cespedes said through an interpreter. "... The problem is that once I take a couple of days off, I feel better. But once I go full speed is when the pain returns."

Despite being a limited participant of late, Cespedes has shined for the Mets this season, hitting .294/.367/.557 (144 OPS+) with 22 homers in 93 games while earning his second career All-Star appearance.