Mets 2B Robinson Cano has been absent from Summer Camp since at least the middle of last week, with GM Brodie Van Wagenen saying on Friday that there is "a variety of reasons why players are or aren’t here on a given day and we’re going to protect the players’ rights to keep those reasons quiet."
The Mets, as has been the case with most teams throughout the league, have not been giving specifics on players who are absent from camp due to non baseball-related reasons.
Speaking Sunday, Mets manager Luis Rojas said there was no timetable for Cano's return to camp.
If the Mets are without Cano for the start of the regular season on July 24, there are many different lineup configurations they can turn to.
There are four positions we won't be messing with in these scenarios. Wilson Ramos is behind the plate, Pete Alonso is at first base, Amed Rosario is the shortstop, and Michael Conforto is in right field.
With the above sorted out, here are three potential configurations the Mets could turn to...
Offense over everything
2B: Jeff McNeil
3B: J.D. Davis
LF: Yoenis Cespedes
CF: Brandon Nimmo
DH: Dominic Smith
If the Mets want the most punch, the above configuration is the way to go since it allows them to get both Cespedes and Smith in the lineup.
One potential downside is Davis' defense at third base, which left a lot to be desired in 2019. But Davis has stated he is more comfortable at the hot corner than in the outfield, and has been splitting his practice reps between left field and third base since February. So it's fair to believe he would be better at third base this season than he was in 2019.
Another possible issue with the above lineup is Cespedes' readiness to play left field. He's been taking reps out there during Summer Camp and the hope is that he will be able to play there during the regular season, at least occasionally.
The outfield defense option
2B: Jeff McNeil
3B: J.D. Davis
LF: Brandon Nimmo
CF: Jake Marisnick
DH: Yoenis Cespedes
The above could be a lot more likely than a scenario where Cespedes is in left field, and it would allow the Mets to have their best defensive outfield alignment, with Nimmo, Marisnick, and Conforto from left to right.
Marisnick may not offer a ton offensively, but he slugged .411 in 2019, which is definitely playable when factoring in his elite defense in center field.
The all defense option
2B: Luis Guillorme
3B: Jeff McNeil
LF: Brandon Nimmo
CF: Jake Marisnick
DH: J.D. Davis
In this configuration, the Mets have elite defenders at second base and center field, with McNeil sliding from second base to third base and Davis serving as the DH.
Noticeably absent from this lineup is Cespedes, who will likely need days off even if his most rosy health scenario plays out.