WASHINGTON — What do you know, Robinson Cano gave the Mets’ offense the lift it needed in Wednesday’s much-needed win over the Nationals.
Cano was on base in all four plate appearances and hit his 11th home run of the season in the fourth inning of the Mets’ 8-4 win at Nationals Park. The home run resembled the Opening Day home run he hit against Max Scherzer, when most still thought Cano would have a huge impact on the Mets.
With Cano 36 and battling injuries, it has not worked out that way. But Cano, who returned from a torn hamstring much faster than anyone anticipated, is healthy again and believes he can make a big impact down the stretch. He lengthens the lineup and gives Mickey Callaway options.
With Cano at second base Wednesday, Jeff McNeil played third as Todd Frazier took a seat on the bench.
“I think for him to come off the IL and swing the bat like he did today shows what kind of hitter he is,’’ Callaway said. “He is just a super-talented hitter. It was like he never went on the IL. He was hot when he left us and now he is swinging the bat good again. We took J.D. Davis out halfway through the game and you got Brandon Nimmo coming in. You take Cano out, you got Joe Panik coming in. We have options to keep guys healthy, rested, keep everybody playing hard. We have a nine-game stretch coming up and everybody is going to have to contribute.’’
Cano was all smiles after the game and was joking about Wilson Ramos’ lack of speed. The Buffalo goes slow.
“For me it’s not how I do in the game it’s just about more winning to keep us in the race,’’ said Cano, who has hit in six straight games, dating back to before he was injured. He is batting .591 over that stretch. He had last played Aug. 4.
“I feel good,’’ said Cano, who batted fifth. “I am not trying to swing too hard. I am just trying to make contact and get on base for the guys because it’s hard when you have been out for a month.’’
Cano said he was able to start swinging a week after he was injured and that kept his swing together.
“I’m always the kind of guy, it’s not over until we are out so we got a chance, we just have to keep grinding,’’ Cano said. “We’re all on the same page, we want to make it to the playoffs.’’
To make that miracle run, the Mets will need many more big days from Cano.
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