Mariners’ struggling Cano has been in similiar situation

TORONTO — What’s wrong with Robinson Cano?

That question grows louder each day as the Seattle Mariners’ perennial All-Star second baseman continues to scuffle through a season that has now passed the one-quarter mark.

Cano is batting just .253 after going 0-for-3 with a walk in Saturday’s 3-2 victory the Blue Jays. He also has only one homer and 11 RBI through 42 games. That puts him on pace to finish with four and 42.

“You’re trying to figure it out every single day,” he said. “You keep the same energy. I get here (to the ballpark) and do the same thing every single day. And I know one day, things are going to change around.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“The last thing I want to do is hang my head and change my attitude. I will never do that. I will keep being the same guy. Always root for the guys and try to do my job when I get to the plate.”

Here’s the thing … Cano has been here before.

Only worse.

“In 2008,” he recalled. “I think in the first half, I hit like .200. It was something really low. I think that was the first year of my (multi-year) contract with the Yankees.”

Cano didn’t get above .200 for good that season until May 14. As late as June 13, 67 games into the season, he was batting .217 with a mere four homers and 20 RBI.

Then the typical Cano returned. He batted .311 over his final 92 games with 10 homers and 52 RBI. Even so, he’s not simply assuming it will happen again this year.

“Of course I’m concerned,” he said, “but I understand I’ve been in this situation before. Sometimes you go through these situations, and it makes you a better player and a better person.

“Right now, there’s nothing more I can do. I’ve been doing my work, and I’m going to be working out through the last day.”

When frustration peaks, Cano called his father — his hitting coach — in the Dominican Republic.

“We talk about the game,” he said. “But I don’t want to put too much on my dad. I don’t want to be over-thinking. Like (Friday), I was feeling good at the plate (and went 0-for-4).

“There were some balls that were right there, and I missed them. That’s part of the game. It’s going to happen. … Hopefully, things turn around quick.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Jeff Page spent 47 years coaching track & field at Lake Stevens, including 32 as the program's head coach. The boys and girls teams totaled 33 Wesco titles, and the boys won the 2022 4A State Championship during his stint as head coach. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Page)
Turning the Page: Lake Stevens track coach set to retire

Jeff Page to close out 47-year coaching career with Vikings after state championships.

Milkar Perez of the Everett AquaSox prepare to catch a ball at Funko Field on May 26, 2025 (Photo courtesy of Evan Morud / Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox comeback bid falls short

Everett hits two solo homers in the ninth but loses 4-3 to Spokane.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Shorewood's Meiron Bereket dribbles past Bellevue's Masora Takashima during a 3A State boys soccer quarterfinal game on May 24, 2025 at Shoreline Stadium. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Shorewood boys soccer clinches first state semifinal in 11 years

The No. 1 Stormrays prevailed 7-6 in penalties over No. 8 Bellevue after a scoreless match.

Prep state tournament results and schedule

Here’s a look at what’s happening this postseason.

Jackson players celebrate teammate MJ Holcomb scoring during the game against Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
State prep baseball roundup for Saturday

Timberwolves win two, bound for state semis.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after scoring in the fourth quarter. (Carlos Gonzalez / The Minnesota Star Tribune / Tribune News Services)
Jerry Brewer: Foul artists have ruled the NBA playoffs

John Wall had a theory about foul-baiting NBA stars. The former Washington… Continue reading

(From left to right) Erica Wheeler, Gabby Williams and Zia Cooke approach the bench during a 102-82 win over the Las Vegas Aces on May 25, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)
Storm wins three straight, Loyd returns to Seattle

The Storm beat Las Vegas 102-82 on Sunday by dishing out a season-high 32 assists.

Snohomish junior Abby Edwards delivers a pitch during the Panthers' 3-2 loss to Liberty in the 3A State Softball semifinals in Lacey, Washington on May 24, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish softball falls in the 3A state semifinal

The Panthers miss out on third straight championship appearance with 3-2 loss to Liberty.

Edmonds-Woodway's Alex Plumis wards off Monroe's Cody Duncan during a 3A State second-round game on May 23, 2025 at Mercer Island High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys soccer stuns Monroe with shootout win at State

The No. 11 Warriors won penalties 4-3 after a thrilling 2-2 game.

Snohomish boys and girls win 3A district track titles

Kamiak boys second, Lake Stevens girls third at 4A bi-district meet.

The Jackson High School softball team celebrates after defeating Skyline in the first round of the Class 4A state tournament at Columbia Playfields in Richland, Wash. on Friday, May 23, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Peacocke / Jackson H.S. Athletics)
State prep softball roundup for May 23-24

Jackson softball reaches state semis for sixth straight year

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.