The early Seattle sunshine could not mask how dark a day this was for Mariners baseball.
Their No. 3 hitter Robinson Cano – gone. Suspended and even if the Mariners were to somehow make the playoffs for the first time in 17 seasons, he wouldn’t be eligible to play.
Their No. 4 hitter Nelson Cruz – gone. Leaning on a trainer and manager Scott Servais while limping off the field after a slider struck his right foot.
Suddenly their once feared, lengthy lineup was without its two most veteran, accomplished batters.