Saturday, March 9, 2013
Garcia vs. Cashner
By Jason A. Churchill
The No. 5 spot in the San Diego Padres' starting rotation could come down to Freddy Garcia and Andrew Cashner, though there may be more than one spot up for grabs. Cashner is battling his way back from past shoulder issues and most recently a lacerated right thumb tendon while Garcia is looking to extend his career.
Garcia has struggled in two of his three outings this spring, but he has a leg up on Cashner since the flamethrower has yet to appear in a game. He did, however, draw a positive assessment from skipper Bud Black Thursday, as reported by Corey Brock via Twitter.
"The ball was coming out of his hand great. He's close,' Black said of Cashner's session throwing live batting practice.
Anthony Bass, Casey Kelly, Eric Stults and Tyson Ross are also in the mix for jobs. Edinson Volquez and Clayton Richard may be the only two with guaranteed starting jobs.
