The San Diego Padres announce the signing of Robinson Cano, the 39-year-old veteran infielder from the Dominican Republican.
A.J. Preller confirmed the move on Friday, adding a former All-Star to the ball club after being recently released by the New York Mets.
On Sunday, the Mets dismissed the 39-year-old, though Cano has yet to be called up to the Padres' lineup today, Saturday, May 14, as they face the Atlanta Braves.
The Padres announced that they optioned pitcher Dinelson Lamet, also Dominican, to Triple-A El Paso in order to make room for Cano in the 26-man roster.
"The San Diego Padres have signed infielder Robinson Canó to a major league contract, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller announced today. To make room on the 26-man roster, the Padres optioned right-hander Dinelson Lamet to Triple-A El Paso," said in the official club statement.
Robinson Cano finished his time with the New York Mets batting .195 with one home run, three RBIs, also scoring three runs in his 12 games as a New York Met.
The 39-year-old has over 17 years in the major leagues, which includes eight All-Star appearances, and put up great numbers throughout the prime of his baseball career.
Cano averaged a .302 batting average, along with 571 doubles, 33 triples, 355 home runs, 1,305 RBIs, and over 1,200 runs scored in his 2,246 games played as a New York Yankee, Seattle Mariner, and a New York Met. The veteran also has the fourth-highest hitting average among all major league players on active rosters, just behind Miguel Cabrera, Jose Altuve, and Mike Trout.
The Dominican has also won five Silver Slugger Awards, and a pair of Gold Glove Awards in 2010 and 2012. He also won the 2011 Home Run Derby, one of the most impressive HR Derby performances over the years. Also, he was also crowned with the 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star MVP award.
Cano will be wearing the №24 in honor of baseball legend and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson, whose №42 is retired across the league since 1997.
