Robinson Cano to test broken toe in winter league

Robinson Cano’s offseason hasn’t been as uneventful as the Seattle Mariners had hoped. While representing MLB in the Japan Series in November, their All-Star second baseman suffered a broken pinky toe on his right foot on a hit-by-pitch.

That injury has now prompted Cano to seek permission to play in the Dominican Winter League as a means to test his toe, which is reportedly fully healed. The Mariners have agreed, clearing Cano to play a limited number of games, which will essentially amount to a regular season rehab assignment.

Here’s more from MLB.com’s Greg Johns: 

The six-time American League All-Star second baseman hasn’t played in the Dominican League since 2008-09, but he asked Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik this week if it would be OK to take part in a few games in his homeland this winter.

“Robinson approached us about playing games in the Dominican Winter League and we have granted him permission to play in a limited amount of games,” Zduriencik said. “Robinson has reported to us his broken right pinkie toe is fully healed and he wants to get on a baseball field to test it before reporting for Spring Training. We look forward to Robinson reporting to Peoria, Ariz., in a little over a month ready to go for the 2015 season.”

The toe is not expected to be a lingering issue for Cano, but it makes sense for both sides to want to test it. With that said though, the Mariners will be holding their breath hoping he doesn’t foul a ball off his foot or return with another ailment that could push back his preparation.

Of course, some positive could come out of the stint as well. Though good health is most important, the team might be hoping Cano can rediscover his power stroke coming off his 14-homer season in 2014. That was Cano’s lowest home run total since 2008, when he also hit 14. In the five seasons in between, he averaged 28 homers while playing for the New York Yankees. Cano’s 37 doubles were also his lowest since 2008.

Even without the power production, Cano was still plenty productive in year one of his 10-year, $240 million contract. In 665 plate appearance, he hit .314/.382/.454 with 82 RBI and a career-best 10 stolen bases. Cano’s power may not be as essential now that they’ve also signed Nelson Cruz, but it would sure be helpful in a loaded AL West. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813