Mets injury update: Yoenis Cespedes expected to return to starting lineup on Friday

The Mets expect to welcome Yoenis Cespedes back into the starting lineup on Friday. Last Friday, the outfielder aggravated a bruised leg previously sustained jumping into the stands in an attempt to corral a ground ball. While he hasn't started a game since, he came off the bench on Tuesday to deliver a game-tying three-run homer against the Cincinnati Reds.

The 30-year-old is hitting .300/.378/.683 with six homers in 16 games this season. Typically an aggressive swinger, he has drawn six free passes. By comparison, he didn't draw his sixth walk last year until May 20. He has also whiffed more than usual, striking out 21 times in 67 plate appearances.

He will not start on Wednesday night against Cincinnati's Jon Moscot. Curtis Granderson will also sit, receiving his first game off this season. Juan Lagares will fill in for Cespedes in center field while Alejandro De Aza replaces Granderson in right field and the leadoff spot.

After Tuesday night's heroics, Cespedes has now recorded a hit in each of his last seven games, going 10-for-26 with three doubles, a triple, and four homers. If his last at-bat offered any indication, he's ready to resume his hot streak on Friday night, when the Mets host the San Francisco Giants. The bigger test will be how he holds up in the outfield.