Braves trade adds former All-Star lefty to infield mix

The Atlanta Braves traded with the San Diego Padres to bring in second baseman Robinson Cano as a lefty presence at the plate and help in the infield.

The Braves were already putting plenty of pressure on the Mets at the top of the NL East.

Now they’re hoping a former Met will help get them over the top.

On Sunday, Atlanta sent cash considerations to the Padres in exchange for Robinson Cano, who has been playing minor league ball for the franchise for the last few weeks.

Braves trade adds former All-Star to infield mix

“Robinson Cano goes to Braves in deal with Padres for cash considerations, and he is expected to be in the majors very soon,” Jon Heyman tweeted. “Braves are very good but they badly need lefty hitters.”

Cano, who was released by the Mets earlier this season, could be brought up from the minors in time to face his former team in their series starting on Monday.

The Braves lost starting second baseman Ozzie Albies to a fractured foot in June. Orlando Arcia has replaced him in the lineup.

At 39 years old, Cano underperformed in major league at-bats earlier this season. In 24 appearances with the Mets and Padres, he batted .149/.182/.189 with one home run.

He’s made more of an impact in the minor leagues since San Diego sent him down, batting .333/.375/.479 with three home runs in 21 games.

It’s not clear how much of an impact he’ll be able to have at this stage, but it’s a very low-risk move for the Braves. If he plays the way he did for New York and San Diego, Atlanta didn’t give up much to bring him in as cover at second base. If he shows the progression from his time in the minors, he could be a real boost to the lineup as a lefty option.