Seattle Mariners star Robinson Cano came into spring training looking to bounce back after a tough 2015 season. If his appearance on Sunday is any indication, Cano is healthy and ready for Opening Day next month.
Cano hit three home runs against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, putting up seven RBI for Seattle in the 12-9 win in the Cactus League. Cano dealt with injuries last season and had offseason hernia surgery to help repair those issues. The second baseman said earlier in spring training that he is fully healthy for the first time in months. Cano proved it on Sunday.
"Wow," manager Scott Servais said. "It was a pretty special day."
The game had plenty of entertainment apart from the home runs and high scoring, as Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward was attacked by a swarm of bees in the middle of the contest. The game was delayed for a few minutes, and Heyward later said that he was stung "at least 20 times" while trying to avoid the bees in the outfield. Heyward even tried to climb over the outfield fence to avoid the bees.
Heyward was not hurt too much by the stings though, as he finished the game going 1-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI. While Heyward provided some entertainment for the fans and the teams, it was all about Cano on Sunday. Servais spoke after the game about Cano, saying that the second baseman looks ready to have a big season.
"He's got that bounce in his step back," Servais added. "This guy is out to prove something. It's been fun to see."
The Mariners had James Paxton on the mound and he was rocked by the Cubs. The 27-year-old starter allowed three home runs, including one from Heyward in the third inning of the game. Paxton had been competing for a spot in the rotation, but on Monday the team announced that Paxton would start the season at Triple-A Tacoma in the minor leagues. Nate Karns will now slot in as the fifth starter for the Mariners.
Cano looked strong against the Cubs and the Mariners are hoping that feeling extends through the regular season. Last season the second baseman started off very slow, but over the back half of the year Cano began hitting with more consistency. Offseason surgery helped Cano get over any injury issues, and now he is fully healthy.
"I feel different now. I feel I'm able to use my hips," Cano said. "It feels good to play the game on the level you want."