Cano returns day after ball hits him in head

ANAHEIM -- Robinson Cano emerged unscathed from Saturday's incident in which he got hit in the temple with an errant warmup throw by Angels shortstop Taylor Featherston while sitting in the dugout between innings, but the Mariners knew they dodged a bullet.

"It was an inch and a half away from his eye," said manager Lloyd McClendon, who had Cano back at second base for Sunday's series finale. "That could be career-ending. The thought is scary. You take things for granted in this game, but anything can happen at any time. We were very fortunate in this instance."

Video: SEA@LAA: Cano wears catcher's mask in the dugout

Cano said he felt fine on Sunday and was ready to roll. He passed the concussion tests after Saturday's game and was cleared to play by the medical staff.

"We talked this morning, he said he feels great, had a good night's sleep and is ready to go," said McClendon.

The incident reminded McClendon of a 2012 scene in Spring Training with the Tigers when Miguel Cabrera was hit in the face with a ground ball.

"He was playing third base, got a bad hop that came up and shattered his sunglasses," McClendon said. "He had a deep cut over and under his eye. Imagine what would have happened if he hadn't had the sunglasses on."

Cano was sitting talking to teammate Franklin Gutierrez when the ball flew into the dugout.

"You should be allowed to come off the field and sit on the bench between innings," McClendon said. "But he's OK. So that's the good thing."