Frogs in the Pros All-Star Break Update: Andrew Cashner

Welcome back, Andrew Cashner!  Cashner returned from his second stint on the DL this season, after a neck injury back in June.  The Padres activated him on July 3 and immediately faced the Yankees in San Diego.  He pitched six nnings and allowed two runs on six hits, including a homerun in the top of the 4th.  He walked two and struck out six.  While the Padres lost 6-3, it was one of Cashner's better games this season.

I admit, I don't watch too many Padres games, but the last time I saw Andrew Cashner he was clean shaven and looked 20 years younger.

— Blue Jays Bat Boy (@bluejaysbatboy) July 3, 2016

Padres Preview: 07/03 Andrew Cashner returns as Friars go for swee... #Padres https://t.co/ekfly1ipUE pic.twitter.com/U56T2klCVH

— Padres Report (@padres_fanly) July 3, 2016

Andrew Cashner looked good in his return to Petco Park, but he got no support today. https://t.co/dHoqfhixJT pic.twitter.com/LOIL2UCOy1

— Richard (@gdarklighter) July 4, 2016

On July 8, Cashner faced the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  It was a rough game for our boy, who gave up two homeruns in the bottom of the first, along with a double that brought in another run.  He gave up two more homeruns in the bottom of the 3^rd and was relieved before the end of the inning.  The Padres lost 10-6.

Andrew Cashner, currently: pic.twitter.com/HwJkYl41Kh

— John (@Friar_Faithful) July 9, 2016

Andrew Cashner roughed up in LA https://t.co/7xyFVHMyzc via @skinnergj

— Dougy's Daily Digest (@skinnergj) July 9, 2016

SD 6, LAD 10: The Dodgers punch back: A night of homers goes the wrong way for the Padres. Andrew Cashner has… https://t.co/Pcs4cGYBgA

— San Diego Journal (@sandiegojournal) July 9, 2016

Rumor has it the Rangers have had their eye on Cashner since the early part of the season.  Those rumors initially died down after his first injury earlier this year, but they returned with the trade deadline approaching on August 1.  Cashner is approaching free agency, so his price tag would be smaller than other pitchers.  Other rumors are that the Red Sox and Royals have him on their radar.

Among starting pitchers #Rangers are targeting is Padres RHP Andrew Cashner, the former first-round pick from TCU.

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) July 17, 2016

Andrew Cashner was good in Sunday's game but the Padres loss. Are his days as a Padre numbered? https://t.co/dqVk35ua5L

— Friars On Base (@FriarsOnBase) July 4, 2016

Here are some other starting pitchers scouts believe will be available via trade: Rich Hill, Andrew Cashner,... https://t.co/faEpTAqdst

— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 8, 2016

If you've been reading Frogs in the Pros the last two seasons, you know that Cashner's biggest challenge is his consistency.  Just looking at the stats in this article is frustrating.  If Cashner wants to place a higher price tag on himself, he's got to finish July strong.  Otherwise, the Padres may hold onto him, and make him a refuseable offer in hopes of earning a compensation pick in the 2017 draft.

Padres News: Will Andrew Cashner Ever Find Consistency? https://t.co/zN0kWRfXGo

— James E. Clark (@EVT_JClark) July 9, 2016

Cashner's ERA is currently 5.05 with a WHIP of 1.48.  You can see his full stats here.