Cano returns, but will be eased back into lineup

WASHINGTON -- Robinson Canó may be back from the injured list, but the Mets left questions regarding when and how often he will play in September largely unanswered.

“He knows he’s active, and that’s it,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “We haven’t promised anybody everything.”

Upon returning from the IL on Tuesday, Cano was not in the Mets’ starting lineup against the Nationals. That won’t be an aberration, Callaway indicated, as the team looks to keep working Joe Panik and Todd Frazier into its regular infield mix.

Although Cano said his left hamstring, which he tore just four weeks ago, feels 100 percent, Callaway cited physical concerns as reason to play Cano sparingly -- at least at first. Cano agreed that he’s not necessarily prepared to assume an everyday role after playing just seven innings at second base during a two-game rehab assignment, which ended on Monday.

“You’ve just got to build back,” Cano said. “The last thing I want is a setback. So I’m good with whatever, and I’m here. I’m just happy to be a part of the team.”

Before tearing his hamstring, Cano ranked among the Mets’ hottest hitters, posting four consecutive multi-hit games to increase his season slash line to .252/.295/.415. The Mets hope, if nothing else, that he can provide some semblance of that production both off the bench and starting games at second base. On nights when Cano does not start, the Mets can either use Panik at second base, or Jeff McNeil at second and Frazier at third.

“We need to figure that out on a daily basis,” Callaway said. “There’s going to be a lot of different reasons, like who plays the outfield, that are going to have an effect on who plays second. So it’s really tough just to say it’s ‘this guy’ or ‘that guy’ at this point. [Cano] can’t play every day, even if we went ahead and made that statement. He can’t play every day so it’s going to change.”

New pro scouting head

The Mets announced Tuesday that Bryn Alderson, son of former Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, will become their new pro scouting director. The younger Alderson will replace his former boss, Jim D’Aloia, whom the Mets do not plan to retain.

In addition, the Mets promoted Jeff Lebow to Alderson’s old position of assistant pro scouting director.

“Bryn brings great experience having worked in advance and pro scouting over the years, and he and Jeff complement each other with their evaluation skills,” Mets assistant general manager Allard Baird said in a statement. “Both have a great ability to communicate effectively and bring a fresh perspective to our operations.”

Alderson joined the Mets in 2012 as a professional scout.

Merchandise deal

The Mets and Pete Alonso reached what the team called a “historic game-use merchandise agreement,” making the team’s “Amazin’ Memorabilia” shop the exclusive source for autographed, game-used Alonso merchandise. The deal is the first of its kind in Major League history, and it helps a charitable initiative. Net proceeds from the sale of “Amazin’ Memorabilia” items go toward the Mets Foundation.