For Robinson Cano, the third time was not the charm during the 2022 season as the Atlanta Braves designated him for assignment on Monday morning.
Atlanta Braves become the latest team to give up on Robinson Cano
The Atlanta Braves were the third team to part ways with the 39-year-old Cano this season, following the path of the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres. It’s easy to see why all three franchises decided that Cano was not a part of their plans as they chase postseason glory as he slashed just .150/.183/.190 in 104 plate appearances over 33 games (12 with New York and San Diego and nine with Atlanta). Throw all of the statistics together and Cano has an OPS+ of 7 this season.
In those nine games with the Braves, Cano went 4-for-26 and had just one extra-base hit (a double).
This could well be the end of the road for the eight-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger, who missed the entire 2021 season with the Mets after serving a suspension for his second career PED violation. One more violation would result in a career suspension for Cano, but his play on the field in 2022 may be the thing that ends his career.
The news of Cano being designated for assignment was part of some other news for the Braves, as they completed a trade with the Washington Nationals. Atlanta acquired infielder Ehire Adrianza from the Nationals in exchange for 26-year-old outfielder Trey Harris, who was at Double-A for the second consecutive season.
Adrianza, 32, has played in parts of 10 seasons for the San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Braves, and Nationals. He has a lifetime slash line of .240/.309/.355 and 81 OPS+. He did get 10 postseason at-bats with the Braves during last season’s World Series run, going 1-for-10 with a double, so the trade is a reunion as Atlanta prepares to defend their title.
There is also roster news for the Nationals in the wake of Adrianza’s departure.
Source: The Nationals will call up infielder Ildemaro Vargas to fill Ehire Adrianza's spot on the 26- and 40-man rosters. Vargas, 31, is an extremely smooth defender and can switch-hit. He has played for four teams and with the Cubs earlier this year.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) August 1, 2022