When Dave Dombrowski and the Red Sox traded for Andrew Cashner before the trade deadline, they hoped a fifth starter would help relieve the stress on the struggling, worn-out bullpen.
That plan, evidently, has not panned out.
In six starts with the Red Sox, Cashner has recorded an 8.01 ERA after notching a 3.83 ERA with the Orioles for the first half of the season. Manager Alex Cora announced on Monday that we may not see Cashner in a starting role again for a while, as the Sox plan to use him out of the bullpen going forward.
The apparent last straw for manager Alex Cora may have been Sunday's 1.2 innings, five-walk and three-run start against the Angels.
Cashner's poor performance may not be the only reason for the move to the 'pen. There is a clause in Cashner's contract that could potentially cost the Red Sox $10 million if he reaches the 340 inning threshold. Using Cashner in relief could put the 340-inning mark out of reach for the righty.
"He understands," Cora said of Cashner accepting the reliever role.
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