#Robinson Cano misses another day of Mets’ spring training 2.0

“#Robinson Cano misses another day of Mets’ spring training 2.0”

Robinson Cano was not in Mets camp on Thursday.

No reason was provided by the Mets, but it marked at least the second consecutive day Cano wasn’t at Citi Field. His last game action came when he took part in a simulated game on Monday.

The Mets have an organizational policy during spring training 2.0 of not commenting on players’ absences and have noted players are not always required to be at the stadium for every workout.

But missing multiple workouts could be cause for concern, especially with the team opening the regular season in just over two weeks. The Mets are hoping the 37-year-old Cano avoids the dreadful start he had a year ago after arriving in a trade from Seattle, along with Edwin Diaz, in exchange for a package including top prospect Jarred Kelenic. He is under contract through 2023.

Cano hasn’t been made available to the media since the Mets restarted camp in Queens.

Of all the challenges teams will face in their attempt to have a season during a pandemic, Jeff McNeil said he believes travel will be the most difficult of all.

“We don’t know what it’s gonna be like,’’ McNeil said. “We don’t know if we’re gonna take busses everywhere and how many busses. What’s it gonna be like in the hotel? The biggest challenge will be trying to get used to all that.”

For now, the Mets are focused on how they can prepare at Citi Field and even practiced how to sit in the dugout on Wednesday, according to Luis Rojas.

But that figures to be much easier to handle than life on the road.

Michael Wacha said he expects travel to be “crazy” this season.

Added McNeil: “It’s not gonna be like a normal year, where travel is extremely smooth and they have it down to a science.’’

McNeil said the details still have to be worked out, but he’s already fairly certain of what his routine will be away from home.

“I know they want us in the [hotel] room as much as possible, away from the general public,’’ McNeil said. “I know when I’m on the road, I’m gonna be in my hotel most of the time, relaxing.”

“I keep thinking I’ve seen it all, but every single day there will be something we haven’t seen before,’’ Wacha said. “We’re learning as we go. … Travel is gonna be crazy, but I think everyone is prepared and ready to take it on.”

Dellin Betances was last clocked at 92-93 mph according to Rojas, as he comes back from the torn Achilles that ended his 2019 season. The right-hander didn’t have a radar gun on him during his outing Wednesday at Citi Field as the Mets try to coordinate their staggered schedule, but the Mets manager said he’s liked what he’s seen lately.

“His arm slot has been more consistent,’’ Rojas said. “It’s where we want it. He felt he had more command of his repertoire.”

Rojas called it “weird” to see Betances start a game, but added he did a good job of finding a rhythm quickly.

The Mets will test their relievers as the season approaches, with some throwing multiple innings and on consecutive days.

“It’s a progression,’’ said Rojas, who noted that the 30-man roster to open the season will help teams limit pitchers from being overused.

Jed Lowrie smacked a leadoff double to center off Jacob deGrom in a simulated game. Lowrie clearly wasn’t running full speed on the basepaths. … Yoenis Cespedes homered off Seth Lugo and that was followed by a Pete Alonso double.

The Mets are scheduled to open the 2021 season in Washington on April 1.

Rojas watched the team improve defensively in the second half of last season and is confident that will continue in 2020.

“We didn’t have a good defensive start to the season last year,’’ Rojas said.

The manager pointed to Amed Rosario as someone who took a step forward in that part of his game.

“Rosario is an example of a guy who progressively got better,’’ Rojas said. “We got good feedback from the analytics department. … We have a lot of versatility. Guys can come in later in games and play defense.”

He’s hoping McNeil is one of those guys. McNeil said he’s been taking grounders at second and third base and will take reps in the outfield.

“This year is gonna be different, so maybe I’ll move around the diamond a little more,’’ McNeil said. “The lineup can change instantly. You’ve got to be ready to switch positions.”

A day after the Mets added right-handed pitcher Ryley Gilliam to their player pool, Rojas said: “If he’s part of this camp, it’s because we feel he can definitely be a weapon for us.”

Gilliam, 23, finished last season at Triple-A Syracuse and needs to work on his command, Rojas said.