Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes to go on DL for lingering quad injury

NEW YORK -- The Mets hoped five straight days of having a designated hitter available in American League ballparks would allow Yoenis Cespedes to play through a right quadriceps injury.

Cespedes instead landed on the disabled list after the opening game of that stretch, handing the Mets another serious blow in their quest to return to the postseason.

"The last at-bat, the second swing, I felt it," Cespedes said through an interpreter after Wednesday's 9-5 loss to the Yankees. "It's been frustrating, because I've lost my timing. I've lost games. And I haven't been able to contribute to the ballclub."

Cespedes had been out of the starting lineup the previous three games. The injury dates to early July and forced Cespedes to skip the All-Star Game.

The Mets will promote outfielder Brandon Nimmo from Triple-A Las Vegas to fill Cespedes' roster spot.

Nimmo had just been demoted Tuesday when Jay Bruce joined the club after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. Wednesday marked the debut of Cespedes and Bruce in the lineup together, batting third and fourth.

"I think the best option is just rest -- about 10 days or so -- because if I continue playing hurt, I'm never going to recover," Cespedes said. [Manager] Terry [Collins] spoke with me after my last at-bat, and I told him my feelings. And after that he touched base with [general manager] Sandy [Alderson]."

Earlier in the day, Cespedes had been golfing, despite his recent absence from the lineup.

Collins had said pregame that he had no problem with that activity.

Former major leaguer Kevin Millar tweeted a photo with Cespedes after a round of golf.

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

Cespedes raised eyebrows during the National League Championship Series when he golfed in suburban Chicago on the morning of Game 4. Cespedes then departed that game with a shoulder injury. Cespedes subsequently explained that golfing relaxes him and he regularly plays during the season.

In other injury news, first baseman Lucas Duda -- who landed on the DL on May 23 with a stress fracture in his lower back -- had a setback last week when discomfort flared up.

Los Angeles-based specialist Robert Watkins recommended 30 days of rest, which likely ends Duda's season, according to Alderson. Watkins does not believe surgery ultimately will be necessary, Alderson added.

Duda could be a non-tender candidate in December. He is making $6.725 million this season and is eligible for arbitration one final time this winter. Alderson suggested it is possible one of the Mets' outfielders -- presumably Michael Conforto or Bruce -- might be asked to get acclimated to first base during the offseason.

Right-hander Zack Wheeler will begin a rehab assignment on Saturday with Class A St. Lucie. Wheeler is returning from Tommy John surgery, performed in March 2015.