Robinson Cano’s return could take away playing time from two of the more productive Mets.
With the second baseman on the injured list until Sunday, infielders Dominic Smith and J.D. Davis were getting starts in left field while Jeff McNeil played second. But now that Cano is back, McNeil will shift to left, meaning Smith and Davis will return to the bench. Cano most likely will be an everyday player, other than getting breathers for day games after night games, manager Mickey Callaway said.
There is, however, one possible solution. Callaway said the Mets have considered using either Michael Conforto or McNeil, a natural infielder who has been converted into an outfielder, in center field.
“We’ve thought about it, that’s a couple of guys out of position. It’s something we’ve been thinking about in the backs of our minds,” Callaway said before the Mets’ 4-3 loss to the Cardinals at Citi Field. “You’re taking two guys and putting them out of position out there, it would be tough to do. But we’re open [to it]. We won’t count it out.”
McNeil and Conforto both said they haven’t been spoken to yet about playing center field. McNeil said he could “easily” adapt to the position. Conforto has played center field in the past and wouldn’t have an issue going back there, either.
Smith batted leadoff for the first time in his life, and did well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored. Callaway opted to bat Smith first because McNeil and Amed Rosario both got the day off.
“It was fun,” Smith said. “It was different. I had some really good hitters behind me today. I was trying to do my job, which was get on base.”
Two days after he was scratched from Triple-A Syracuse’s lineup with neck soreness, there isn’t much clarity on Brandon Nimmo’s status. Callaway said he is continuing to get evaluated and is seeing specialists. He has been dealing with a bulging disc in his neck that put him on the IL on May 21. Nimmo played in five rehab games before this setback.
“It’s just the same issue he’s been having, that neck,” Callaway said.
Jason Vargas left Sunday’s game in the fourth inning, but didn’t expect to miss a start. His left calf cramped up in the top of the fourth inning while he was pitching and when he got to the plate to take his at-bat began cramping up in his left hamstring. Jacob deGrom took over his at-bat and worked out a walk. Vargas is next scheduled to start Friday against the Cubs.