New York Mets designate struggling Robinson Cano for assignment

NEW YORK -- The Mets have designated struggling infielder Robinson Cano for assignment.

Cano, 39, is owed $44,703,297 by the Mets from the remainder of the $240 million, 10-year contract he signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2013. Through 43 plate appearances this season, he is hitting just .195 with one home run and three RBIs and a .501 OPS. He has appeared in 12 of 23 games, starting six at second base and five at designated hitter.

Mets general manager Billy Eppler -- who has known Cano dating back to their times with the New York Yankees -- said the conversation with the infielder was one of the most difficult of his entire career.

"We had to make some difficult decisions and ultimately…