Yanks reportedly don't want Cano to risk injury in D.R.

Updated: December 27, 2007, 8:57 PM ET

By Enrique Rojas | ESPNdeportes.com

ORLANDO -- The New York Yankees told second baseman Robinson Cano to stop playing winter ball, his Dominican Republic team told ESPNdeportes.com on Thursday.

Cano

"The Yankees sent a letter to Cano to stop playing, but they didn't offer many details or reasons," said Alfredo Griffin, the Estrellas Orientales general manager.

Cano told Estrellas teammates, however, that the Yankees didn't want him to aggravate a calf injury that is still healing.

The Dominican winter league baseball tournament began its round-robin playoff series Wednesday. Cano hit .389 in nine games during the regular season. He was hitless in his first postseason game Wednesday.

In his third season with the Yankees last year, Cano hit .306 and had career highs with 19 home runs and 97 RBIs. The Yankees have reportedly refused to include him in trade talks for Twins starter Johan Santana.

Houston Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada is training with the Aguilas and Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena is with Licey, but neither said when they expect to play their first games this winter.

Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com.