PITTSBURGH -- Yoenis Cespedes' return to the New York Mets was put on hold Saturday when the All-Star outfielder did not play in what would have been his second Minor League rehab game because of soreness in his right quad.
Cespedes went on the 10-day disabled list April 28 with a strained left hamstring.
Cespedes suffered the latest injury running the bases Friday in his first rehab game. He started in left field for the Mets' Class A Advanced Port St. Lucie affiliate and played six innings, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.
According to the Mets, Cespedes won't take any live at-bats until at least Tuesday and will remain in Port St. Lucie until he is cleared to play again.
Cespedes, who hit .270 with six home runs and 10 RBIs in 18 games before getting hurt, was originally thought to be ready to join the Mets as soon as Monday until Friday's injury occured.
His return, whenever it is, will create a crowd in the outfield. Left fielder Michael Conforto is a rising star who has emerged as the club's best hitter. Jay Bruce is a fixture in right. That leaves veteran center fielder Curtis Granderson, who was hitting .175 with four home runs and 18 RBIs before Saturday's game against the Pirates at PNC Park, as the potential odd man out.
Before Saturday's game, Mets manager Terry Collins said he's prepared for what awaits.
"I will sit them all down as a group and explain the process of what we're gonna do and how we're gonna go about it," Collins said.
"Certainly when Ces gets back, I know him and he'll want to play every game. We can't afford to lose him for another month, so he'll be getting some time off."