Robinson Cano has been an All-Star caliber second baseman, but he’s out through the All-Star break and won’t play in the MidSummer Classic.

Cano was placed on the disabled list yesterday after an MRI revealed a slightly torn left hamstring. The move, retroactive to Monday, means the sophomore second baseman cannot return until the second half.

“I don’t feel good,” Cano said of his situation. “We’ve got a couple guys down, and now I’m down.” Cano joins Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui on the disabled list, meaning onethird of the Opening Day lineup is on the shelf. Also, Carl Pavano and Octavio Dotel are on the DL and Tanyon Sturtze is lost for the year.

“Yeah, you feel bad about it, but you haven’t got time to lick any wounds,” manager Joe Torre said before last night’s game with Atlanta.

Torre said Miguel Cairo will play second until Cano returns. Backup infielder Nick Green had his contract purchased from Triple A Columbus before the game.

Cairo was brought back for a second stint in pinstripes after playing here in 2004.

He played 100 games with the Mets last season.

“I’m just gonna be myself.

I cannot be Robbie,” Cairo said. “Robbie, that’s a guy we’re gonna miss in the lineup.

“It’s a big bat, and we’re gonna lose a good bat out the lineup. Robbie can hit, he can get on base and he can play some defense, too.

We’re gonna miss him for these two weeks.” Cano was leading in AllStar balloting for second basemen, and Torre hoped that he’d be able to at least make an appearance in Pittsburgh and tip his cap. The 23-year-old said he would attend the game if elected.

Cano – batting .325 with four homers, 27 RBIs and 34 runs – was leading Boston’s Mark Loretta in the balloting.

“No question about it, so sad about it,” Cano said. “I would like to play, but I don’t think I’m going to play.” Brian Cashman said Cano won’t play in the All-Star Game and that there’s no timetable for his return.

Cano doesn’t feel any pain, he can bend over and he made sure to mention “it’s feeling good right now.” He rode the bike yesterday for 20 minutes, and he’ll throw today. He thinks he could resume hitting Friday. The Yankees could have waited a few more days to see how much he improved but didn’t want to risk losing their starting second baseman with a reoccurrence. He’s eligible to return on July 14 against Chicago.

“That was the decision that was the safest thing,” Torre said. “And in all likelihood, he’ll be a player by that time.” Cano was among league leaders in batting average and his defense has become more consistent.

“They’re all tough to replace,” the manager said.

“When you play 162 games, you’re gonna have some unpleasant surprises. You’re going to need some bench people to support you.” Although there’s more than half a season remaining, the Yankees can’t afford to fall too far behind Boston, winners of nine straight entering yesterday. They began play 2½ games back.

With Matsui unable to return before August and Sheffield tentatively slated for September, the Yanks must play solid fundamental baseball in the interim. With George King