Andrew Cashner may return to the Padres this weekend

San Diego, CA- According to Will Laws of MLB.com, San Diego Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner who has been on the disabled list since May 13 due to soreness and irritation in his throwing elbow is on track to return from the disabled list this weekend against the Washington Nationals.

Law reports that Andrew Cashner threw a 65 pitch simulated game yesterday at Petco Park and reportedly felt no soreness in his elbow. Padres Manager Bud Black told Law that he thought Andrew Cashner threw the ball well and won’t need to pitch another simulated game. Law also mentioned in his report that Cashner had made adjustments to his slider grip and release, which the Padres believe caused the soreness in his elbow.

The Padres desperately need Andrew Cashner to return to the rotation as his replacements Tim Stauffer, Donn Roach and Triple-A starter Billy Buckner have been unable to match Cashner’s production. The Padres will use their fourth different starter in the past few weeks tonight, as top pitching prospect Jesse Hahn will makes his Major League debut in a spot start for the Padres.

Cashner has been outstanding for the Padres to begin the season, before landing on the disabled list Cashner was (2-5) with a 2.35 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 57. 1 innings of work. In his nine starts this season Cashner has only allowed more than two runs once. Cashner and the rest of the Padres pitching staff have received little run support from the Padres struggling offense. As evidenced by his under .500 record despite his excellent earned run average.