Padres release Robinson Cano after 12 games

The San Diego Padres have moved on from Robinson Cano. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Padres release eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano after 12 games

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 6/2/22

2022 hasn't been kind to Robinson Cano thus far.

After missing the entire 2021 season following his second suspension for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drugs (PED) policy, Cano struggled mightily to begin the year and was eventually released by the New York Mets in early May. The eight-time All-Star soon got another chance, joining the San Diego Padres in the middle of last month, but after more struggles at the dish, Cano is being cut loose from the Friars.

The Padres will release Robinson Canó after a 3-for-33 stint in 12 games, sources tell @dennistlin.

The 39-year-old was DFA by the New York Mets in early May.https://t.co/8DJKUw5mqQ
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) June 2, 2022

Now 39 years old, it's been a steep fall from grace for five-time Silver Slugger Award and two-time Gold Glove Award winner. Cano made his big league debut with the New York Yankees in 2005 and starred for the team for nine seasons, finishing in the top-six in AL MVP voting in four straight years from 2010 to 2013, as well as in 2014 with the Seattle Mariners.

After Cano signed with the Mariners in December 2013, he spent five largely successful campaigns in the Northwest before being traded to the Mets in December 2018. Over his 2,258-game career, the second baseman has recorded 335 home runs (fifth among active players), 1,306 RBI (third), 1,261 runs scored (third), 2,635 hits (third), 571 doubles (third) and a .301/.351/.489 slash line.

To fill Cano's roster spot, the Padres are reportedly calling up Nomar Mazara from Triple-A El Paso. The former Texas Rangers power-hitting outfielder has posted a .367/.454/.641 slash line in 35 games this season and hit 83 home runs in 629 career big-league games from 2016 to 2021.

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