Robinson Cano activated from the injured list

Robinson Cano was activated from the injured list prior to tonight’s game after spending the minimum 10 days sidelined with an adductor strain. He will serve as the designated hitter in tonight’s contest against the Phillies, batting fifth. Prior to the injury, Cano had been the Mets’ hottest hitter—to the tune of a 184 wRC+ with seven RBIs.

To make room for Cano on the roster, the Mets optioned reliever Drew Smith to the team’s alternate training site in Brooklyn. The righty had been pitching well in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, surrendering just two earned runs in six innings of work across seven games with six strikeouts. It’s a shame for Smith, who will surely be back with the Mets eventually again this season. But unlike other potential candidates for Cano to displace, such as the underperforming Brian Dozier, Smith has options, which likely made him the odd man out.

With Amed Rosario back in the lineup, Andres Gimenez continuing to perform well, and J.D. Davis excelling defensively at third base and with the bat, the Mets’ infield is somewhat crowded, but this presents more opportunities for Cano to DH and ease himself back into playing the field if need be.