LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Mets doctors examined Yoenis Cespedes this weekend after he felt what manager Terry Collins called a "twinge" in his right shoulder while making a throw in Thursday's game. But all tests were negative, and Collins expects Cespedes back in the lineup Sunday against the Nationals.
"We just took a precaution," Collins said. "He's swinging so good, I'm not going to push it."
In 12 spring games, Cespedes is batting .394, though he does not have a home run.
"One thing I've seen him do is get big hits with guys in scoring position, even if they're singles," Collins said of Cespedes, who has six RBIs on 13 hits. "That's what you want those guys to do. I don't know if he's concerned about hitting a homer, but it certainly doesn't bother me."
Back at short:Asdrubal Cabrera finished 2-for-5 in a Minor League game Saturday and the Mets expect him back in their lineup on Sunday. If Cabrera indeed plays, it will be the strongest indication yet that he can start at shortstop on Opening Night in Kansas City.
Cabrera has not appeared in a big league game since straining the patellar tendon in his left knee on March 10. The Mets will not use him in a Grapefruit League game if any injury uncertainty exists, because it would limit their ability to backdate a potential disabled list stint.
Four for the captain: Also expected to play Sunday is third baseman David Wright, who is scheduled to appear in each of the Mets' final four Grapefruit League games. It will mark Wright's first stretch of four consecutive games at third base since September.
What radar gun?Jacob deGrom's velocity was a tick up Saturday from where it was in his previous start, when his low-90s heat prompted questions about his form. Though deGrom was not quite back to midseason form against the Braves, he touched 94 mph over 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball.
"I'm not concerned with where my velocity is at now," said deGrom, who holds a 1.62 Grapefruit League ERA.
All Good-dell: Reliever Erik Goeddel continues to work into game shape after missing the first half of March due to a right lat strain. He has now thrown two innings in Grapefruit League play, including a scoreless one Saturday against the Braves.
Though Goeddel remains a candidate for the Opening Day bullpen, the Mets' plan to carry only six pitchers -- including the suspended Hansel Robles -- means he would need to beat out Sean Gilmartin and Jim Henderson for that spot.
"My arm strength's feeling a little better each time out," Goeddel said. "Ideally, you feel midseason form almost by this point because you have a month of games under your belt. I'm not quite there yet. But every time I get on the mound, I'm feeling a little more comfortable, my arm's a little stronger, so definitely I'm on the right track."