Fansided

10 struggling MLB stars poised for a second half breakout

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Robinson Cano (22) reacts after flying out to deep right field against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 3, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USASan Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USASan Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Cashner. 10. player. 127. . SP. San Diego Padres

Starting his career as a bullpen pitcher, people probably expected nothing more than a relief role, but the San Diego Padres found a spot for him in their five-man rotation.

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San Diego Padres rumors: Blake Snell, Josh Hader staying put for the stretch run?
San Diego Padres rumors: Blake Snell, Josh Hader staying put for the stretch run? /

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    • Cashner began his career with the Chicago Cubs and pitched in 60 games, starting only once. However, he started five games in his first season with San Diego in 2012 and then earned a full-time role in the rotation the next season, recording a solid 3.09 ERA with a 10-9 record and 128 strikeouts.

    The 2014 campaign was every bit as successful as the prior year, but he pitched in only 19 games, finishing with a 5-7 record with a stellar 2.55 ERA and 93 strikeouts.

    This season has been a disaster thus far, however, as the Padres’ top-of-the-rotation pitcher has been mediocre, at best. Cashner has started 18 games so far, locking up a 4.10 ERA and 97 strikeouts with a dismal 3-10 record. While a record can’t always be blamed on the pitcher, the 28-year-old has given up four-plus runs six times.

    Sure, a couple of poor starts may have inflated his ERA, but there are no excuses. Expect Cashner to have a turnaround in the second half of the season and prove that he and James Shields can be a dominant one-two punch like everyone expected.

    Next: 9. Anibal Sanchez, SP, Tigers

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