Cashner tosses four scoreless in Debut
Taking the mound for the first time as a Baltimore Oriole, Andrew Cashner made his name known after throwing in three simulated games. The 31-year old RHP, signed a two-year contract in mid February in hopes to be a productive starter for the O’s.
Becoming the first starter to make it through four innings in spring ball, Cashner walked three and struck out two in the 4-0 win over the Phillies, Sunday night. Due to some recent regression on Cashner’s fastball, he spent most of the offseason working on his sinker. Pitching in Baltimore presents its challenges for many pitchers who let up fly-balls but Cashner’s career 49% ground-ball rate came to form Sunday. Six of Cashner’s 12 outs came to ground balls all over the infielder, showing great promise for the 2018 season.
Giving praise to Cashner’s performance, Showwalter was pleased with how Cashner mixed pitches and keeping the O’s in the game.
“I think that’s why he’s been attractive throughout the years, becuase he just keeps coming at you,” Showalter said. “You can see today, he’s a lot more than a thrower. He mixed in a lot of pitches, slowed them down when he needed to.”
Keeping the starters away from being seen by AL East competition, Cashner will next pitch against the New York Mets. Showalter also added, “he will likley pitch in a minor-league game before exhibition season is over.”
Cashner’s reaction to his debut: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/video/cashner-on-his-first-spring-game/c-1886117983?tid=8879234
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