Rojas: Cano suspension came as shock

Robinson Cano has a close relationship with Mets manager Luis Rojas. The veteran second baseman was one of the first players to vouch for Rojas’ promotion to skipper following the 2019 season, when it became clear that former manager Mickey Callaway wouldn’t return. Cano and Rojas often spoke in the dugout, and Cano would ask the rookie manager a ton of questions about how he navigates the game.

So it came as a shock to Rojas when he learned last month that Cano tested positive for a performance enhancing drug for the second time in his career and would be suspended for the entire 2021 season.

“It was a surprise, first of all,” Rojas said Wednesday. “It came out on my phone and I didn’t know that it happened until it came out publicly. I was shocked when it happened and obviously disappointed at the time as well, knowing the suspension.”

Rojas reached out to Cano to offer his support and to “be there for him.” But sympathy was really the theme of their conversation. Rojas didn’t question Cano on his repeat offense, when exactly he started using PEDs again or the affect it will have on his now-nulled Hall of Fame chances.

Cano first tested positive for a diuretic in 2018 while playing for the Mariners and served an 80game suspension. Cano has not made a statement or spoken to reporters since his latest suspension became public.

“I think Robinson is a great human being and he’s always been a great presence in the clubhouse for the rest of the guys and the coaching staff, including myself,” Rojas said. “I called him to be there and support him throughout these times. I’m sure it will be tough times for him next year not being able to participate in games.”

When asked how Cano’s suspension affects the Mets’ infield structure for 2021, Rojas listed Jeff McNeil, Andres Gimenez and Luis Guillorme as potential fill-ins at second base. Rojas also mentioned there are infielders on the free-agent market that team president Sandy Alderson and new GM Jared Porter may try to sign.

One name that comes to mind: Yankees All-Star free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu.

Signing LeMahieu to a longterm contract is still the Yankees’ top priority and it remains likely that GM Brian Cashman will get it done. But in the event that the Bronx Bombers cannot reach an agreement with LeMahieu, there is an obvious need for an everyday second baseman in Queens.