The Mets don’t have an everyday answer to replace Robinson Cano, who’s out indefinitely with a torn left hamstring, at second base, which is why Joe Panik being designated for assignment by the Giants could be a factor for them.
The second baseman is in the midst of another down season with San Francisco, but the Long Island native and former St. John’s star might be worth a consideration.
Sources said the Mets hadn’t yet made a decision on whether to take a serious look at the 28-year-old, who was cut loose by the Giants after they traded for the Reds’ Scooter Gennett.
Panik is making $3.8 million and unlike last season, when players on waivers could still be traded, that’s no longer the case. He can either be claimed and the team that picks him up will have to pick up his salary — or clear waivers, be released and be available as a free agent.
Asdrubal Cabrera had been a consideration before the former Met, designated by the Rangers last week, signed as a free agent with the Nationals.
For now, Mickey Callaway said he will go with a rotation at second, with Jeff McNeil, Luis Guillorme and Adeiny Hechavarria all in the mix. McNeil also will be part of an outfield rotation with Juan Lagares and Aaron Altherr.
On Tuesday, the Mets went with McNeil in right field and Guillorme at second — even after McNeil was lifted from the second game of Monday’s doubleheader with a right calf cramp.
“I think one of those guys, every day, is gonna cover Cano,’’ Callaway said. “Maybe one or two guys stands out and shows us they deserve more playing time. That’s the best solution I can think of at this point. I hope a couple guys get it done and we won’t lose a step.”
Considering the lack of production the Mets have gotten out of Cano, maybe Callaway will get his wish.
Callaway is also concerned about not overworking McNeil, which means he’d rather not play him too frequently in the outfield.
Still, Callaway didn’t hesitate to put him in right despite Monday’s cramp issues.
“He felt fine and we feel like there’s no risk for him go out there and play [right field],’’ Callaway said.
Callaway also opted to keep two of the Mets’ hottest hitters, Michael Conforto and Amed Rosario, out of the starting lineup.
“It came to a point where their workload was so high, you have to have to give them an off day,’’ Callaway said.
The manager pointed to Monday’s doubleheader and the fact he doesn’t plan on sitting anyone much down the stretch.
“It’s gonna be full-bore,’’ Callaway said. “There’s not gonna be much rest after this, so this is kind of their last chance. Then we’ll be getting after it.”
Callaway pointed to one possible reason why the Mets have played better at Citi Field than they typically have in years past.
“One thing we thought we could stress is to spray the ball around a little bit,’’ Callaway said of their offensive approach at the spacious park. “Just not sit out there and try to hit homers. But we’ve hit more homers. A lot of times, that’s the way to hit better: Not try to do something, just play the game and you end up doing better in those spots.’’
Steven Matz will look to bounce back on Wednesday after a bad performance in his last outing — which followed two good performances.
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The post Mets searching for second base options after Cano injury appeared first on Fox USA Live.
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