Mets’ Robinson Cano preparing for unfamiliar role

New York Mets’ infielder Robinson Cano had a really solid season in 2020, when he slashed .316/.352/.544 with 10 home runs in 49 games. But in November of that year, he was busted for PEDs use and suspended for the whole 2021 campaign.

Redemption, for him, starts now. He will have to make sure to find ways to contribute to the Mets, and not the other way around. The team, therefore, is looking to try him at an unfamiliar position to increase his versatility: first base.

He will play first base for the first time since 2018 on Thursday. He left his mitt at home, so he wil have to look for a borrowed one.

“I’ll figure it out,” Canó told the Mets’ official site, laughing. “Maybe I’ll play with my [second baseman’s] glove at first base. It’ll be easy.”

The Mets are looking for creative ways to fit Cano in the lineup

Cano, a natural second baseman, is projected to split his playing time between second base, third base, and the designated hitter spot. He probably won’t be an everyday player, but if he is hitting, the Mets will find ways to fit him in the lineup.

“I’m aware that there might be an adjustment,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said. “I’m sympathetic to that. But I think he’s so excited to be back with the team and be in a position where he can contribute. It’s going to be ‘where and when’ as opposed to ‘if’ right now.”

The infielder, who is 39 and probably on his last legs, is “happy to be in the lineup and be able to play.” Although he was skeptical about the first base experiment at first, he is open to finding creative ways to play as much as he can.

“I’m going to do my best, that’s what I know,” Canó said. “I know that’s a challenge. At the end of the day, the goal is to win. I’m willing to help.”