The Padres placed ace right-handed pitcher Andrew Cashner on the 15-day disabled list with "elbow soreness." In a corresponding roster move, the Padres recalled RHP Kevin Quackenbush from AAA El Paso. The move was first reported by Padres beat writer Corey Brock, via Twitter.
The move is sure to cause rampant paranoia amongst the Padres fan base. Anytime a pitcher goes down with an elbow injury, the speculation of Tommy John surgery will be predicted. The Padres have two current pitchers on the 60-day DL in Josh Johnson and Cory Luebke, who are currently recovering from the surgery.
Cashner was supposed to start on Sunday, in the series finale against the Colorado Rockies. His replacement has not been announced, although Donn Roach and Tim Stauffer would be the obvious candidates. The team also could recall RHP Keyvius Sampson, who is scheduled to pitch in AAA on Sunday, or Casey Kelly, who has started three games in the minors, after having Tommy John surgery last year.
Cashner's absence could be devastating for the Padres, as he has established himself as their ace. He has just a 2-5 record, but his 2.35 ERA is good enough for eighth in the National League. For now, the Padres organization will have to hold their breath, and hope the injury isn't serious.