New York Mets: Robinson Cano to Begin Rehab Assignment

New York Mets, Robinson Cano
Jul 13, 2019; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano (24) celebrates after his two run home run in the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

When Robinson Cano tore his left hamstring on August 5, it was assumed his first season as a Met came to a sad end. Initially, Cano needed 6-12 weeks to return, but he has accelerated his recovery to a point where he can start rehab games.

Cano will play second base and bat second for the Brooklyn Cyclones on Saturday night. He took live batting practice and ran at Citi Field earlier in the week, which let him know he was ready for game action. Mickey Callaway said he will will leave it up to Cano to dictate when he feels ready to return to the lineup.

Will Cano Return This Season?

Cano will not have a large window to play minor league games since their seasons are concluding. The Mets will likely have no minor league affiliates in the postseason. The Cyclones are the fighting for a playoff spot and the presence of Cano should help them stretch out their season. Should Cano feel good in his handful of minor league games, the Mets could activate him when the rosters expand to 40 in September.

Cano had a brutal start to the season but showed signs of turning things around in the second half. He was hitting .289 with 6 home runs in the second half up until he injured his hamstring. In the five games prior to the injury he was 10-19 and was one of the major reasons the Mets were turning their season around.

Too Little Too Late?

He joins a cast of Mets who may return to a team who has too much ground to make up. Heading into the last day August, they are five games behind the Cubs and have a ton of work to get back in the race. Anything is possible in September, but they will need their reinforcements to bring the energy the Mets have lacked over the last week. The Mets will need a Cubs collapse, similar to 1969, to even have a thought of making it to the Wild Card game.