M’s Cano sharp in return

Robinson Cano returned from a four-game absence after a root canal and went 3 for 3 as a split squad of Seattle Mariners lost to the Kansas City Royals 8-2 Monday in Peoria, Ariz.

Cano singled twice off James Shields, picked to start on opening day for the Royals. Shields later picked off Cano at third base.

Mike Moustakas singled twice and drove in two runs for the Royals and Alex Gordon doubled in two runs during a five-run third for the Royals.

• In Scottsdale, Ariz., Arizona’s Patrick Corbin, scheduled to be the Diamondbacks’ opening-day starter against the Dodgers in Sydney, Australia, in two weeks, gave up three runs and six hits in four innings in a 3-3 tie against a Mariners split squad.

Seattle’s James Paxton threw three scoreless innings, running his streak to seven to open the spring, before allowing a run in his fourth and final inning.

The 25-year-old right-hander gave up a run and five hits, striking out two and walking one.