The Mets will be without Robinson Cano for at least the next nine days, which is quite unfortunate given the fact that he was the hottest hitter on a team that is struggling offensively.

Complicating things with Cano out is that two other infielders -- Jeff McNeil and Amed Rosario -- are dealing with their own injuries.

McNeil (intercostal strain) and Rosario (quad tightness) remain on the active roster and are listed as day-to-day, which means the Mets likely feel they'll be able to return to the lineup soon -- potentially imminently.

But Cano (grade two left abductor strain) will be down for a bit, meaning the Mets will need to turn elsewhere for production. Here are some scenarios...

GIVE ANDRES GIMENEZ SOME SERIOUS BURN AT SECOND BASE

The 21-year-old Gimenez has been tremendous with the glove this season everywhere the Mets have put him, which is no surprise since he was viewed as one of the best-fielding players in all of the minors last season.

While Gimenez's defensive prowess hasn't been a surprise, the extent to which he's held his own offensively has been a bit eye-opening.

Gimenez only reached Double-A Binghamton in the minors and was always one of the youngest position players at any given level, so scouting the stat line with him doesn't tell the full story -- meaning his relatively disappointing offensive season in 2019 with Binghamton should be taken with a grain of salt.

Perhaps something clicked for Gimenez last year in the AFL, when he was an offensive standout. If so, the Mets could have a serious player on their hands a bit earlier than expected.

SHIFT JEFF MCNEIL TO SECOND BASE

Assuming McNeil is ready to return to the lineup Wednesday or Friday (the Mets are off on Thursday), it could make sense to slide him over to second base while inserting Gimenez at third base.

McNeil has had some defensive struggles so far at third base, misfiring on numerous throws across the diamond, and he was in left field during the last game he started.

With Yoenis Cespedes having opted out of the season and Cano hurt, the Mets have more flexibility when it comes to who plays where. One option is using McNeil and Gimenez on the infield, and splitting the DH and left field duties between J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith.

GIVE BRIAN DOZIER A SHOT

Save for some time at shortstop during his rookie season in 2012, Dozier has played only second base, which limits the Mets' options a bit if they want to give him a serious look.

GM Brodie Van Wagenen spoke highly of Dozier when he was signed, citing his prowess against left-handed pitching, so perhaps the Mets give Dozier some run against lefties while Cano is out.

But when the Mets start Dozier, it will likely mean keeping Gimenez, Smith, or Davis on the bench, which does not seem like a recipe for success at the moment.

Popular in the Community