Cano issues apology for suspension

Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano apologized Saturday to his teammates, the organization and the fans for his 80-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug agreement.

Cano tested positive for Furosemide, a diuretic that can be used to mask performanceenhancing drugs. His suspension ends Aug. 14.

“I wanted to apologize genuinely to the city of Seattle, all the fans and young baseball players in the (United) States and the (Dominican Republic) and, most importantly, to my teammates,” said Cano, who met with a group of reporters who regularly cover the Mariners.

“I wanted to show my face to you guys. I don’t think it’s fair for me to just come back and walk into the clubhouse. I wanted to do this earlier, but I don’t want to be a distraction for the team so I was waiting for the right time.”

Cano said he couldn’t discuss details of the testing process but maintained the substance was prescribed to him in the Dominican Republic for the treatment of a medical issue.

“I’ve been getting tested for the last 12 seasons and I’ve never had an issue,” he said. “I was treating some medical ailments and being supervised by a doctor, but I understand that everything that goes into my body, I’m responsible for that.”

Cano has remained close to the Mariners and does workouts at Safeco Field before the team arrives each day. He said he’s open to filling whatever role is required upon his return.

“This is not about myself,” Cano said. “This is about us as a team . ... I’m focused on bringing a title to Seattle so I would do whatever it takes to help this team win, (even though) I understand I’m not going to be able to play in the playoffs.”