Mariners notes: Robinson Cano sits with flu-like symptoms

SEATTLE – Robinson Cano’s first off-day of the 2015 season was not planned and did not happen by choice.

Instead, the Seattle Mariners’ second baseman developed overnight what manager Lloyd McClendon termed “flu-like symptoms,” and for the first time this year was not included in the team’s starting lineup.

Cano hit 4 for 12 with two RBIs in Seattle’s recently completed three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays – a series that capped a nine-game road trip through three cities – but he apparently became ill the night before the Mariners’ game Thursday against the visiting Cleveland Indians at Safeco Field.

McClendon said the illness left Cano dehydrated, a condition for which the six-time All-Star required intravenous fluids.

“I’m not sure how much fluid he’s getting back in him,” McClendon said, “but he’s dehydrated, and he’s lost a few pounds.”

In his place, McClendon slotted super utility-man Brad Miller, who started at second base for the second time this season. He also played second base Sunday in Toronto, with Cano spending that day as the designated hitter.

Cano hasn’t missed a game since July 20 of last season.

He’s off to a slow start this season, batting just .253 with only one home run and 13 RBIs through Seattle’s first 46 games.

Roster move not imminent

The Mariners know their six-man bullpen won’t be sustainable for much longer, but McClendon said a roster move to add a seventh relief pitcher likely isn’t coming in the next day or two.

McClendon insists that the six-man bullpen – yielded by the Tuesday activation of OF Austin Jackson from the disabled list and the corresponding demotion of reliever Danny Farquhar to Triple-A Tacoma – hasn’t left the Mariners “shorthanded,” even if he acknowledges he’d prefer to have another arm available.

Iwakuma ‘feels real good’

RHP Hisashi Iwakuma, who was placed on the disabled list April 24 with a strained back muscle and later suffered a setback that required a two-week shutdown, played catch again Thursday and is apparently making progress toward being able to throw off a mound.