Cespedes On NLDS: 'I Am 100 Percent Ready To Start This Battle'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Yoenis Cespedes is ready to go.
The Mets' star outfielder was hit by a pitch on his left hand last week, but that won't limit him in the National League Division Series against the Dodgers.
Mets fans held their collective breath after the Phillies' Justin De Fratus beaned the slugger, but X-rays came back negative and he was in the lineup three days later.
Now it's playoff time, and the 29-year-old Cuban is determined to send the Mets to the NLCS, and perhaps beyond.
"I am 100 percent ready to start this battle," Cespedes told reporters through an interpreter on Tuesday.
New York faces an extremely difficult challenge in a Los Angeles team that -- like the Mets -- is defined by brilliant starting pitching.
The Amazin's are expected to face studs Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in Games 1 and 2, respectively, at Dodger Stadium.
"They're pitchers, just like anyone else," Cespedes said, according to NJ.com. "They're going to throw the same pitches. I think the most important thing is to have fun."
Cespedes was acquired from the Tigers right before the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, and he completely turned the club's offense around.
In 57 games with the Mets, Cespedes hit .287 with 17 home runs, 44 RBIs, 14 doubles and four triples.
The best-of-five series will kick off on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. in Los Angeles.
