Mets’ Robinson Cano says he’ll be cautious with quad coming off IL

NEW YORK – Mets second baseman Robinson Cano has been pulled from New York’s game against the San Francisco Giants hours after coming off the injured list.

New York said Cano left Wednesday night with tightness in his left quadriceps. He went on the IL two weeks ago after straining the muscle.

Cano hit two groundouts in two at-bats, including an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded in the third. He favored his left leg coming up the line and was beaten to the bag by about a step. Adeiny Hechavarria replaced him at second base to begin the fifth.

Cano said before the game he would be cautious to avoid re-injury, noting it might take a few games before he felt 100 percent.

Acquired last offseason from Seattle, Cano is hitting .238 with three homers and 14 RBIs for New York. He has been criticized for failing to hustle on a few groundball outs this season, then was injured running hard on a groundout two weeks ago.

Cano ran the bases and did other exercises Monday and Tuesday and was cleared after waking up feeling well Wednesday.

Outfielder Aaron Altherr was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.