Cashner continues bid to start

TEMPE, Ariz. — Andrew Cashner gave up 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks over 3 innings — statistics that won’t count in the Cactus League — in a 3½-inning, rain-abbreviated game against the Angels.

“I couldn’t control much out there today,” said Cashner, who started and was quoted on Cubs.com. “It was wet, windy and cold, but I still made some really good pitches today.

“I think I’ve thrown the ball well this whole spring and whatever decision they come up with, that’s what I’m going to do. I thought I’ve given it my best shot. I could’ve pitched better, but I thought I pitched well enough so we’ll see what happens.”

Casner’s competition for that final spot in the rotation is veteran Carlos Silva, who has struggled this spring.

The weather conditions didn’t help Cashner on Monday.

“A lot of the sliders I left up out of the zone, the ball kept slipping out of my hand and that was the biggest thing for me today,” he said. “I got 0-2 on a lot of guys and strike one on a lot of guys and I didn’t make that pitch that I needed to.”