Manager Terry Collins said Friday that Lagares could see some time in left field to keep Yoenis Cespedes anchored in center field, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Cespedes essentially locked into the center field spot with the Mets, Lagares is expected to see some time in the corner outfield spots to enhance his versatility. If Lagares is able to adjust well to playing in left and right field, it could increase his chances at drawing into the lineup against lefties considering that the Mets' current starting corner outfielders are both left-handed.

Lagares returned from missing three days with a dental issue to go 2-for-2 and reach base all three at-bats Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares is fully healthy as his elbow is healed and has lost 20 pounds, the effects of both seen in his strong play this spring. It remains to be seen how he will be fully deployed during the year, but he is turning eyes again like he did two seasons ago.

Lagares, who played last year with a partial tear in his elbow, had no difficulties in Winter Ball and is expected to air out some throws in spring training to make sure he is 100 per cent, the NY Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news about Lagares' elbow coupled with his loss of 20 pounds this offseason has many believing that he should return to his Gold Glove caliber form in center now. Right now, Lagares is the team's fourth outfielder, but he may start in center field against left-handed pitching with Yoenis Cespedes sliding over to left field. In addition, Lagares also should be a late-game defensive replacement, which will enable him to get additional at-bats.

Lagares claims he lost 20 pounds during the offseason, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports.

EDGE Analysis

He says he cut out late-night meals during the offseason, and if his estimation is true, that means he now weighs roughly 195 pounds, which is much more in line with his 6-foot-1 frame. That said, being in better shape won't make him a starting outfielder for the Mets, as those spots are spoken for. His best chance to get starts will be as an occasional fill-in for Curtis Granderson or Michael Conforto when a lefty is starting for the opposing team.

Lagares' elbow examination Wednesday confirmed that he will not need surgery, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares played 2015 with a partially torn elbow ligament. Surgery was a possible option though he will now rest the elbow this winter rather than undergoing an operation. That injury resulted in the Mets advising Lagares to be cautious in the field, especially when throwing. With Yoenis Cespedes expected to sign elsewhere and Lagares' much better numbers against southpaws, the Mets will likely look to sign or acquire a left-handed bat to face righties.

Lagares will have his elbow examined Wednesday, but he's not expected to need surgery, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares mainly played against right-handed pitchers in 2015, recording just 121 of his 441 at-bats against southpaws, but he was able to improve upon his home run total from last season, albeit not greatly (he hit four home runs in 2014). Assuming his elbow examination goes as expected, Lagares will likely be a full contributor in spring training next season, but it remains to be seen how much playing time he may receive with the Mets unlikely to retain Yoenis Cespedes during the offseason.

Lagares is not in the lineup Friday for Game 3 of the World Series.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares has gotten some starts throughout the playoffs, as manager Terry Collins has elected to go with the stronger defense lineup, but he'll head back to the bench Friday. Yoenis Cespedes will be in center field while Michael Conforto will draw the start in left.

Lagares will start in center field for Game 2 of the World Series.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares will take over in center field with Yoenis Cespedes shifting over to left field and Michael Conforto taking over the DH spot. The 26-year-old is sporting a .438 batting average (7-for-16) in the postseason.

Lagares went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in Saturday's 7-0 win over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Lagares continues to excel against left-handed pitching in 2015, hitting .291 in 110 at-bats. Diminished playing time and poor performance has taken a toll on Lagares' fantasy stock, with Saturday's start being just his first since Aug. 30th. With Lagares locked in a platoon split, his value is limited to NL-only and daily leagues.

New York Mets outfielder Juan Lagares will start Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals after leaving last Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a leg issue, according to ESPN New York. Lagares was pulled from the contest after his calf tightened up during his final at-bat in the eighth inning, but he was not expected to miss extended time as a result of the ailment. "I just felt like a cramp," Lagares said. "But now I feel good. ... I was just a little afraid. I had to tell them because I didn't want it to get more than what it is. But, like I said, right now I feel good." Lagares, who has tallied a .256/.284/.339 batting line with three home runs, 25 RBI and six stolen bases in 84 games this season, will bat ninth Friday against Lance Lynn.