Report: Mariners' Cano to play final winter league game Monday

Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano will conclude his brief stint in the Dominican Winter League on Monday when he takes the field for Estrellas de Oriente in his home province of San Pedro de Macoris.

Cano returned to the Dominican Republic ostensibly to gauge how the broken pinkie toe he suffered in November has healed, but the 32-year-old also got the opportunity to realize a dream of his by playing for the Estrellas, who boast a 2-0 lead over Gigantes del Cibao in the best-of-nine championship round.

"I always dreamed of being in a final with the Stars," Cano said in a translated report from LigaDom.com. "It's an unforgettable experience to see the people of your town where you grew up, who saw you grow and helped you play ball, to get that back after so many years without playing here."

Cano has gone 8-for-15 (.533) with a pair of doubles and a triple through his first four games with the Estrellas, but didn't play in Sunday's contest, so he could make his final appearance with the club Monday in his hometown.

"I want to say goodbye big," Cano said. "I want to do (it) in my village. The idea was to come here to help the team win and thank God we're doing (that)."