Andrew Cashner's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of a pitcher who experienced both the highs and lows of the sport. Born on September 11, 1986, in Conroe, Texas, Cashner's path to the majors began with his selection by the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft. His early promise as a hard-throwing right-hander quickly became evident.
Cashner made his MLB debut with the Cubs on May 31, 2010. Initially utilized as a relief pitcher, he showcased his ability to deliver high-velocity fastballs, which often exceeded 95 mph. His rookie season saw him appear in 53 games, posting a 4.80 ERA. Despite some struggles with control, his potential was clear, and the Cubs saw him as a future asset for their pitching staff.
In 2012, Cashner was traded to the San Diego Padres in a deal that sent Anthony Rizzo to Chicago. This move marked a turning point in his career, as the Padres transitioned him into a starting pitcher. Cashner's time in San Diego was marked by flashes of brilliance, including a near no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 16, 2013. He finished that season with a 3.09 ERA over 26 starts, solidifying his role as a starter.
The 2014 season was arguably Cashner's best. Despite battling injuries, he managed a 2.55 ERA in 19 starts, demonstrating his ability to dominate opposing lineups when healthy. His performance was characterized by a mix of power and finesse, combining his fastball with an effective slider and changeup.
Injuries, however, continued to be a recurring theme in Cashner's career. Shoulder issues limited his appearances and affected his consistency on the mound. Despite these setbacks, he remained a valuable asset for the Padres until he was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2016. His stint with the Marlins was brief, and he soon found himself with the Texas Rangers in 2017.
Cashner's time with the Rangers saw a resurgence in his performance. He posted an 11-11 record with a 3.40 ERA over 28 starts, proving he could still be an effective starter in the league. His ability to adapt and refine his pitching style allowed him to remain competitive, even as his velocity began to decline.
In 2018, Cashner signed with the Baltimore Orioles, where he continued to serve as a starting pitcher. His tenure with the Orioles was marked by mixed results, as he struggled with consistency. However, he provided veteran leadership to a young pitching staff and contributed innings for a rebuilding team.
Midway through the 2019 season, Cashner was traded to the Boston Red Sox. His role with the Red Sox shifted between starting and relieving, as the team sought to bolster its pitching depth for a playoff push. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new role, Cashner remained a reliable option for the Red Sox down the stretch.
Throughout his career, Andrew Cashner was known for his imposing presence on the mound and his ability to deliver powerful pitches.
⚾