Red hot Robinson Cano placed on IL in big blow for Mets

Robinson Cano’s IL stint couldn’t come at a worse time for the Mets

In a game where Mike Soroka’s achilles tear was far and away the biggest storyline, the Mets suffered a tough blow of their own, as the lineup’s hottest hitter in Robinson Cano left with tightness in his left groin. Later tests revealed that Cano, who was slashing .412/.462/.559, suffered a grade two left adductor strain. He’s been placed on the 10-day IL for now, but he joins a growing list of Mets players on the injured list, and this all comes just a few days after Yoenis Cespedes opted out of the 2020 season.

New York will turn to the likes of Brian Dozier and Andres Gimenez to replace Cano, but the slugging second baseman will be missed. His stable presence in a Mets lineup already missing several big names was much-needed in a time when the team is trying to stay afloat in the NL East standings.

Mets facing an uphill battle in the NL East

Sure, a 10-day IL stint might not sound like much in a typical season, but the shortened campaign means that’s one-sixth of the schedule. Such a move came just days after Cano was moved up in the order, and he was playing his best baseball.

“He looks more comfortable at the plate,” manager Luis Rojas said, per the New York Post. “The last few games we have seen it. His stance and mechanics, he definitely looks more quiet getting ready early and recognizing pitches and get the head of the bat out.”

Cano’s replacements in Dozier and Gimenez both have their strengths, with the less-proven 21-year-old Gimenez slashing .294/.333/.412 in 10 games thus far. Dozier, meanwhile, is still looking for his first hit as a Met, but has an All-Star appearance and Gold Glove on his resumé.