Cespedes returns from bruised thigh, back in Mets' lineup

NEW YORK (AP) Yoenis Cespedes is back in the New York Mets' lineup after missing five starts with a bruised right thigh.

The slugger was set to bat cleanup and play center field Friday night against San Francisco in the opener of a three-game series.

Cespedes initially got hurt jumping into the stands in pursuit of a foul ball. He aggravated the bruise sliding into second base last Friday in Atlanta and hadn't started since. He came off the bench for one at-bat during that span, delivering a tying, pinch-hit, three-run homer Tuesday against Cincinnati.

Cespedes began the night batting .300 with six homers and a team-high 17 RBIs. He had at least one extra-base hit in his last eight games.

Concerned about Cespedes getting hurt on another slide, Mets manager Terry Collins says he told the outfielder to take it easy if necessary.