Seattle Mariners News is quite interesting, as Robinson Cano has been working at third base and first base ahead of his return to the team. If Cano can play well at the corner positions, his value to the team goes up even further. MLB writer Jon Heyman reports that Cano is working on his game down in the Dominican Republic. This would give the Mariners a left-handed bat at first base on days where Ryon Healy doesn't work in the batting order. It could also provide the Mariners with a good option to give Kyle Seager a day off at third base.

The Mariners have missed having Cano's bat in the lineup and his 80-game suspension has been tough for the team and fans to deal with.

In addition to his regular-season ban, Cano is not eligible to play in the postseason. This means that even if he gives the Mariners a nice boost that elevates them to the 2018 MLB Playoffs, he will have to watch from home. Just getting to the playoffs is the first step, though, as the Mariners have now been caught in the Wild Card standings.

Updated MLB standings

The Seattle Mariners are on a two-game losing streak and have slipped to 63-45 in the standings. The Oakland Athletics, one of the hottest teams in baseball, have improved to 64-46, virtually catching the Mariners in the race to the postseason. The Mariners are ahead by percentage points, with an important head-to-head series coming up soon.

In fact, the Mariners and Athletics play a lot of games soon, which could end up deciding which franchise makes it to the postseason.

Robinson Cano a difference-maker?

Marco Gonzales has been huge for the Mariners this season. He has emerged as one of the best pitches on the staff, helping keep the team afloat as the offense continues to struggle.

The pitching can only do so much, when the offense struggles to put up runs, thus it underscores how important the return of Cano is to the everyday lineup. Though it is unclear where he will see his most playing time, being able to play three different positions gives the Mariners a lot to work with.

Before his suspension, Robinson Cano had a .287 batting average, an on-base percentage of .385, and a slugging percentage of .441.

Those are numbers that the Seattle Mariners could definitely use in the final six weeks of the regular season. Fantasy baseball owners should be taking notice, especially if Cano can gain qualifications at additional positions ahead of the 2019 MLB season. Though fans were pretty upset with Cano's suspension, that sentiment could change quite a bit if he comes through for the team in August and September.
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