#Mets’ Robinson Cano stays hot after moving up in order

“#Mets’ Robinson Cano stays hot after moving up in order”

August 2, 2020 | 2:49am

ATLANTA — Robinson Cano is often trolled by the organist at Truist Park with a chorus of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” when he steps to the plate.

More appropriate for Cano would be the legendary pop duo’s “Feelin’ Groovy.” The Mets second baseman added two hits on Saturday — giving him 10 in his past five games — as a bright spot in a lineup that looked sluggish in a 7-1 loss to the Braves.

Cano, who was elevated to the fifth spot in the batting order, drove in the Mets’ only run with a sacrifice fly.

“He looks more comfortable at the plate,” manager Luis Rojas said before the game. “The last few games we have seen it. His stance and mechanics, he definitely looks more quiet getting ready early and recognizing pitches and get the head of the bat out.”

Cano missed a week in summer camp for personal reasons, which might have contributed to his slow start.

Franklyn Kilome was added to the roster for a situation precisely like the one the Mets faced: A short outing from their starting pitcher that necessitated a reliever devouring multiple innings. Kilome was solid, allowing two earned runs on two hits with five strikeouts over four innings in his MLB debut.

“It was a crazy experience and I also have to thank the Mets for giving me this opportunity,” said Kilome, who missed last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery after arriving in the 2018 trade that sent Asdrubal Cabrera to the Phillies.

“He’s a guy that is going to give us quality innings, we know the stuff is there,” Rojas said.

Dellin Betances, who retired just one batter Friday and allowed four runs in the eighth inning, said he’s still adjusting to his inconsistent velocity. The right-hander seemed more upset with the two walks he issued than the two hits.

“I’m trying to get better, and attack the strike zone, I think that is going to help me out,” said Betances, who appeared in only game last season with the Yankees because of injuries. “I have to attack the strike zone to get these guys out and change speeds. I’m not throwing as hard as I was a couple of years ago.”