Mariners Analysis: M’s to Upgrade Rotation?

Andrew Cashner – RHP – San Diego Padres

The last and probably easiest to obtain is Padre, Andrew Cashner. The Padres just traded away Drew Pomeranz, proof they are already looking towards next season. With little to look forward to the rest of the campaign, the Padres are looking to rebuild; shipping Cashner to the M’s can help with that.

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There is little to say about Cashner that makes him a better member of the rotation than I previously mentioned, but he is consistent. He has allowed exactly three runs in seven of his fifteen games. On the brightest days, he only allowed one run and that happened five times, three of them in his last four starts, which is a good sign.

He has had some hiccups along the way, allowing more than five runs twice, including a horrific eight runs early this month in less than three innings, which hasn’t helped his 4.79 ERA. That number is slightly deceiving though because he hasn’t pitch more than six and one-third innings all year. This could be an issue for the M’s because their bullpen- especially of late- has proven very unreliable.

The Mariners have been fortunate, much like with Hill to have seen Cashner up close and personal. Back in late May during their inter-league series, Cashner went the six and one-third, giving up his typical three runs on six hits. He has seen the M’s three other times since 2010, once pitching seven innings, giving up just one earned run, that was back in 2014. It is to be determined if he can bring back performances like that this year.

Next: M’s Go Blue Jay Hunting in Toronto

What can be said though is that with many pitchers- others being Ervin Santana, Jake Odorizzi and more- The Mariners will have options to help the rotation to reach its expectations. GM Jerry Dipoto has voiced his concern with a hint of optimism about the rotation, but these new additions could help quell his and Mariner fans fears, if they come to the Emerald City.