Robinson Cano kept active at home in the Dominican Republic during his hiatus from spring training 2.0, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into game-readiness.
The Mets second baseman is on a mission over this final week before Opening Day to find his swing and stake a claim to a lineup spot.
“It’s really hard right now, but I’ve also got to understand the situation,” Cano said Thursday. “I was home training, do some biking every day and try to keep myself in shape, because it was like a week or two weeks before the season starts.”
Cano began camp with the Mets but departed after three days of workouts. He returned Wednesday, following an eight-day absence. He declined to provide any details about his absence, saying he had “personal issues” and wanted the focus to remain on the team’s success.
Cano was among the players who arrived for early batting practice Thursday, before the Mets played an intrasquad scrimmage. A day earlier Cano played three innings in a scrimmage and took two at-bats.
“I don’t want to say that I feel behind,” Cano said. “But I think we have got a week left, and I think I can get some at-bats, 20-25, and for me the main thing right now is I feel good physically and was able to keep myself in shape.”
The Mets signed one of Cano’s closest friends, Melky Cabrera, and added him to the 60-player pool before camp. Cabrera is among the veterans fighting for a bench role on the team, in a group that also includes Matt Adams and Eduardo Nunez.
“[Cabrera] means a lot to me,” Cano said. “We came over here with the Yankees and created a good relationship, won a championship together and it’s good to have him here. I know what he can bring to the table and also he’s a guy with experience that can help the team from both sides of the plate, in the outfield. He can help this team to win games.”
Cano has also become tight with Amed Rosario and expects the 24-year-old shortstop to continue with his improvement.
“After the second half last year, the way he improved and the numbers he was able to put up, he was better than the year before,” Cano said. “He came into spring training in shape and he’s a guy, he can still grow. He will be one of the best shortstops in this game. It’s just a matter of time and some guys take longer than the other ones.”
Michael Wacha pitched the equivalent of 6¹/₃ hitless innings in an intrasquad scrimmage. The only base runner allowed by the right-hander came on a Dominic Smith error at first base on a toss in the first inning. Wacha, who threw 69 pitches, figures to receive a final tune-up for the regular season next week. The goal is to get him to about 85 pitches in his next appearance.
Other highlights included Yoenis Cespedes easily reaching second base on a double to right field. Cespedes’ base-running is a focal point in camp as he attempts to return from double heel surgery that preceded multiple ankle fractures.
“I was glad the way he came out of the box, looking like he had a chance to take two [bases],” manager Luis Rojas said. “He kept a good speed.”
Wilson Ramos smashed a two-run homer against Tyler Bashlor that carried the white team to a 3-1 victory.
Manager Luis Rojas has not announced a starting pitcher for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Yankees at Citi Field. … Gordon Beckham returned to camp after a two-day absence.