Mets' Lagares has partially torn thumb ligament, avoids DL

PITTSBURGH (AP) Mets outfielder Juan Lagares has been diagnosed with a partially torn ligament in his left thumb after being examined at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Lagares was expected to rejoin the team before Monday night's game in Pittsburgh against the Pirates.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Lagares would likely be limited to pinch-running during the three-game series and has been fitted with a protected glove for his left hand.

Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said Lagares will need to undergo surgery at some point. He was injured Saturday.

Meanwhile, Yoenis Cespedes is back in the lineup in center field after sitting out the previous two games with a sore left hip.