Cespedes considering heel surgery

Yoenis Cespedes made a triumphant return to the New York Mets' lineup on Friday after more than two months on the disabled list, crushing a home run in his team's 7-5 victory over the crosstown-rival Yankees.

The triumph proved fleeting.

Following the game, the 32-year-old outfielder revealed the root cause of his injury issues this season is calcification in both of his heels. In order to fix the problem, he'll have to undergo surgery - likely in the offseason - that would keep him off the field for 8-10 months.

"I realize that ... the cause of my problems are my heels," Cespedes said via an interpreter, according to SportsNet New York. "Because when I feel some pain in my heels I started to modify my walking way, my running way, or even my standing, and that's the main cause, the main reason why I'm having these type of problems with my legs."

When asked if he'll have the surgery, Cespedes replied that he's "still thinking about it."

Since re-signing with the Mets on a four-year, $110-million contract in 2017, Cespedes has struggled to stay on the field. Already this season he's lost more than two months due to a hip injury, and he lost some rehab time after sustaining quad tightness while recovering from the hip problem. Last season he dealt with hamstring issues and battled a wrist problem in spring training.

Owing to his various lower-body issues, Cespedes began working out at first base during his most recent rehab assignment, hoping a part-time move to the infield could ease the load on his legs. He was the Mets' DH at Yankee Stadium on Friday, and whether he'll play even an inning of first base in the majors or continue on as an outfielder remains to be seen.

Cespedes is hitting .262/.325/.496 with nine home runs in 157 plate appearances this season.