Report: Marlins still in mix to acquire Cashner

The playoff-chasing Miami Marlins remain in discussions with the San Diego Padres regarding pitcher Andrew Cashner, the coveted right-hander who's been the subject of increased trade speculation in recent days.

Cashner continues to be pursued by several teams ahead of next week's non-waiver deadline, with sources telling Jon Morosi of MLB Network the Marlins remain in the mix to acquire the 29-year-old starter, along with the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays. The Texas Rangers, believed to be in the hunt for White Sox ace Chris Sale, are also rumored to have interest in Cashner.

Earlier Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported the Blue Jays have engaged in dialogue with San Diego regarding Cashner, who was scouted by the club Thursday during his most recent start in St. Louis.

Meanwhile, the division-leading Orioles are also reportedly in pursuit of Cashner, Rosenthal writes, who reported Saturday the Padres want two prospects in exchange for the former first-round pick.

The talented yet oft-injured pitcher has generated plenty of interest this summer, despite struggling to perform with consistency. Though he's been sharp in two starts since the All-Star break (1.54 ERA), Cashner's body of work (4.79 ERA [4.77 FIP] with 61 strikeouts in 73 1/3 innings) has left much to be desired.

"I know I'm going to be traded," Cashner told Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune late Thursday. "It's just part of the game, part of where the season's at."

For the Marlins, adding starting pitching behind ace Jose Fernandez has become an increasingly top priority ahead of the deadline. Among the other pitchers believed to on the Marlins' radar are Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jeremy Hellickson and New York Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda.