M’S CANO BANNED FOR 80 GAMES
Seattle Mariners all-star second baseman Robinson Cano has been suspended 80 games for violating baseball’s joint drug agreement. The league announced Cano’s suspension Tuesday in a stunning development for the stalwart of the Mariners lineup and a club expected to contend for a post-season spot in the American League. Cano tested positive for furosemide, a diuretic. In a statement released through the players association, Cano says: “This substance was given to me by a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical ailment.” He said he didn’t realize it was banned. “Robinson made a mistake. He has explained to us what happened, accepted the punishment and has apologized to the fans, the organization and his teammates,” the Mariners said in a statement. Cano also landed on the disabled list Monday after breaking a bone in his right hand.