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Cano out again following root canal surgery

PEORIA, Ariz. -- New Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano got off to a fast start this spring, but the club's prize free-agent signee missed his third straight game on Saturday as he continues recovering from root canal surgery.

Cano, 31, had the surgery on Wednesday afternoon and hasn't played or practiced since, though he was at the facility on Saturday studying film and doing other work.

"He's still a little swollen, a little drugged up," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "He's better. My guess is there's an outside chance he'll play [Sunday]. I doubt it. More than likely he'll do a light workout and some biking and stuff like that and swing in the cage. But we'll see how he's feeling."

The Mariners host the Rangers at 1:05 p.m. PT on Sunday at Peoria Stadium, then have split-squad games on Monday, with an afternoon game against the Royals in Peoria and a night game against the D-backs at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale.

Cano seems most likely to return for one of the Monday games.

"That's what I'm leaning toward, but we'll see how the next 24 hours go," said McClendon.

The five-time All-Star is hitting .500 (6-for-12) with a walk, three runs scored and three RBIs in his first five Cactus League games.

Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB as well as his Mariners Musings blog.
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