Robinson Cano
AP Photo/Julio Cortez

New York Mets second baseman Robinson Cano gains some confidence back after returning to the lineup on Sunday. 

Robinson Cano has had an up-and-down season thus far for the New York Mets. Dealing with injuries to his quadriceps, Cano has found himself on the injured list multiple times, including his most recent 10-day stint.

However, Cano returned to the lineup against the Saint Louis Cardinals on Sunday after rehabbing for Triple-A Syracuse. Despite a 4-3 loss, Cano did go 1-3 and scored a run.

After the Mets dropped the game, Cano spoke upon how he found some reassurance returning to the lineup.

“After I did what I did today, I feel confidence in myself,” Cano said, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Cano bat fifth in the lineup, something he hasn’t done much of in the 47 games he’s played this year. It’s a tad different for the veteran infielder, but it doesn’t alter how he approaches the game.

“You’re only going to hit fifth in the first inning, but after that, you don’t know where you’re going to hit,” Cano said. “For me, nothing changes. You’re in the lineup, it doesn’t matter where you hit.”

Cano is only hitting .240 this year with three home runs and 14 RBIs. Now that he’s back in the lineup, the organization is counting on him to be healthier and more productive from the batter’s box.

The Mets desperately need him to be too. The Mets have an 11-game road trip starting Monday. This includes three games against the Atlanta Braves, four against the Chicago Cubs and four against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Sitting at 7.5 games behind the division-leading Braves, a productive road trip is exactly what the Mets need as the first half of the season rolls on. This string of games away from Citi Field is arguably the most important string of games for New York thus far in 2019.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.