The New York Mets‘ spring training continues, as the players keep preparing for the real thing to begin in late March. After Thursday’s scare involving Brandon Nimmo and cardiac screening (he’s fine, though) the team can move on knowing that they can have its starting center fielder healthy.
One of the pieces that is trying to get healthier and ready in time is Robinson Cano. The Mets’ starting second baseman had been out all week as he strengthens his legs muscles in preparation for the long, grueling season.
The New York Mets said a few days ago that the star infielder would make his spring training debut in “late February or early March.” Despite some fans understandably growing frustrated with the health status of Cano, he managed to come back right at the optimistic portion of that timetable: he will return to the lineup today, as the Mets take on the Cardinals at 1:10 ET.
Canó missed significant time in 2019 due to a variety of hamstring and quad issues. In fact, he had three different stints in the injured list because of problems on his leg muscles. However, he intends to bounce back in his age-37 season.
The Mets want him to avoid muscle injuries
He worked tirelessly in the offseason to regain the strength on his legs. He wants to avoid getting injured with so much regularity.
The Mets’ second-sacker recently said to Deesha Thosar of The New York Daily News that he can return to form. “I know I can do better and that’s my goal this year – stay healthy,” he said. “If I’m healthy, I can be myself. I can be the Robbie that you guys are used to seeing play this game.”
Cano had a down 2019. For his career, he has slashed .302/.352/.490 with a 125 wRC+. Last season, those numbers came down to .256/.307/.428 and a 93 wRC+.
In today’s game, Mets’ right-hander Marcus Stroman will make his second spring training appearance after somewhat struggling in his first one.