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Seattle Mariners: Robinson Cano set to return on Tuesday

By Paul Taylor

May 16, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) walks outside of the dugout during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) walks outside of the dugout during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Seattle Mariners prepare for a potentially season-defining eight-road trip, they are set to welcome the return of Robinson Cano from the DL.

After consecutive losses of 16-1 and 8-1, the Seattle Mariners could certainly use some good news. Cue Robinson Cano.

As reported by MLB.com‘s Greg Johns, Cano is expected to come off the 10-day disabled list on Tuesday. He was sent to the DL after missing five games with a strained quadricep muscle in his right leg.

The seven-time All-Star participated in a full pregame routine prior to Saturday’s game with the Chicago White Sox. His workout included taking batting practice and fielding ground balls.

Mariners’ manager Scott Servais discussed Cano’s progress with Johns and other members of the media:

"“Everything is moving in the right direction,” Servais said. “He picked it up some (Friday) and feels good.”"

The 34-year old’s placement on the DL was retroactive to May 13, hence why he is eligible to return on Tuesday, versus the Washington Nationals. His return couldn’t be better-timed, with the matchup in Washington, D.C. marking the start of an eight-game road trip for the Mariners.

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Cano’s return will also help a batting lineup which struggled to produce offense during their series versus the White Sox. After winning 5-4 on Thursday, the Mariners were outscored 3-26 in the remaining three games of the series.

Before his injury, the five-time Silver Slugger had enjoyed a fine start to his 2017 campaign. Batting .296, he is currently second on the team behind Nelson Cruz, with eight home runs and 28 RBI.

Cano entered the year with high hopes for both the team and himself, after hitting a career-best 39 home runs last season. Unfortunately, the Mariners’ playoff push has been derailed by an alarmingly high number of injuries, particularly to the starting rotation.

In this respect, the fact the M’s are only 4.5 games out of a wild card spot as of Monday morning, should be considered somewhat of a minor miracle. Regardless, the upcoming eight-game road trip will prove to be a defining moment in their season.

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How much does Cano’s expected return impact your expectations for this eight-game road trip? Does it give you any more encouragement, or are you expecting the worst, given the M’s injury-hit rotation? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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