Mets activate veteran 2B Cano from injured list

WASHINGTON -- The New York Mets have activated second baseman Robinson Cano from the injured list after he missed nearly a month with a torn left hamstring.

Cano wasn't in the lineup Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals, but manager Mickey Callaway said the veteran would be available off the bench.

"You just can't stick these guys in and play them nine every day," Callaway said. "You have to be smart about it because then you're putting them at risk. So we'll monitor how he feels every day and be smart about the playing time."

Cano said he was 100 percent from an injury that had the potential to end his season. He returns with the Mets chasing an NL wild-card spot.

"I don't want to say that I'm surprised because I worked really hard," Cano said. "I'm just happy to be back right now."

Cano is hitting .252 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI in his first season with the Mets after an offseason trade from Seattle. He was 2 for 7 with two RBI during a two-game rehabilitation assignment with Class A Brooklyn before returning to the active roster.