San Francisco Giants: 3 pitchers that could help the team’s starting rotation down the stretch

Aug 27, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Option No. 3: Andrew Cashner (trade from Padres)

Monday is the last day for teams to make waiver trades, and I wouldn’t put it past the Giants to swing a deal at the eleventh hour.

There are several starting pitchers still rumored to be available that don’t make sense for San Francisco. Some are too expensive (James Shields). Some are too coveted by team management (Tyson Ross). Some just flat-out aren’t worth the trouble (Aaron Harang).

Looking around the league, the most logical target is the Padres’ Andrew Cashner.

The 28-year-old is having a solid year (4.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 130 K), but is on a downturn following a breakout 2014 campaign. More importantly for the Giants, he’s on an expiring $4 million deal. While he’s never pitched well at AT&T Park (6.38 career ERA in San Francisco), staying in a pitcher-friendly stadium should allow Cashner to maintain his current output.

It’s unclear whether or not Cashner has cleared waivers, but unlike rotation-mate Ian Kennedy, he hasn’t been pulled back following a claim. If he’s still out there, the Giants should pounce.