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MLB Trade Deadline: 6 best pitching rentals available

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 15, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) walks off the field after throwing against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Rich Hill (18) walks off the field after throwing against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrew Cashner. 4. player. 127. . SP. San Diego Padres

Even after Shields’ departure, the Padres have a couple of trade chips left in the rotation. While Tyson Ross is currently out with a shoulder problem, San Diego could deal controllable All-Star Drew Pomeranz for a huge return.

Cashner, who is only under contract for this season, will almost certainly be on the move given the poor market. While Cashner is struggling in 2016, he’s a definite step up in quality from the likes of Chacin or Nova as far as rentals go.

San Diego acquired Cashner in exchange for Anthony Rizzo back in 2012, a move that has really backfired for the franchise. Cashner has the raw stuff to be a great pitcher and has shown dominant flashes, but has frustratingly not been able to put it all together yet.

The 29-year-old compiled an encouraging season in 2014 with a 2.55 ERA (3.09 FIP) across 123.1 innings according to FanGraphs. Since then, Cashner has not been good, including posting a 5.40 ERA (5.58 FIP) with 11 homers allowed in 61.2 innings this season.

A change-of-scenery trade might help Cashner, as he still has some upside left as a mid to back-end starter. If Cashner can somehow get back to his 2014 form down the stretch, the gamble to acquire him would be well worth it to a buyer in need of pitching depth.

Next: 3. Jorge de la Rosa, Colorado Rockies

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