New York Mets awaiting the return of Robinson Cano

The New York Mets should be expecting some immediate help unexpectedly from their believed to be injured second baseman, Robinson Cano.

The hopeful playoff dreams of the New York Mets are barely hanging on by a thread as September is underway. New York is still in the hunt for a wild card spot but will need consistent wins and losses from multiple teams.

In a rare occurrence, the Mets may have some immediate help around the corner as second baseman Robinson Cano is expected to return to the team.  Cano was believed to be lost for the rest of the season after suffering a torn left hamstring over a month ago. The injury prompted New York to quickly sign former San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik in hopes of salvaging a late postseason run.

The rehab has gone incredibly well for Cano allowing him to get back on the field and play a few games with the club’s Single-A affiliate the Brooklyn Cyclones. In his first game with the Cyclones on Saturday night, Cano started seven innings at second base while collecting two hits at the plate not showing any signs of pain.

The 36-year old spoke with Zach Braziller of the New York Post, After the game about his body and hopeful return to the Mets lineup soon.

"“I feel good today, hopefully tomorrow it feels good. I’m excited to go back and help the team to win.Running I feel 100 percent,” he said. “I haven’t felt anything [in my hamstring] and hopefully I don’t feel anything again when I play on Monday.”"

Cano is expected to play again for the Cyclones on Labor Day, and if all looks well, he could be with the Mets this week. The Mets are looking for any extra motivation down the stretch as they still face an uphill battle to secure a wild card spot. Cano’s eventual early return will cause some changes in the current lineup for manager Mickey Callaway.

The Mets could consider Cano getting some time at first base for a few games or defensive replacements whenever Pete Alonso needs a break. Another option is to exclusively use Cano as a pinch hitter giving Callaway another potent bat late to possibly rally the team to a victory.

Cano got off to a rocky start with Mets fans because of his poor play to begin the season. Since the All-Star break, he caught fire and helped to jump-start the long winning streak that has the Mets in postseason contention.