Marlins acquire RHPs Cashner, Rea

MIAMI — Buyers at the trade deadline for a change, the Marlins believe they now have enough starting pitching to make a playoff push.

The Marlins acquired the rotation reinforcements they sought in a trade Friday that cost them four players. Right-handers Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea went from the Padres to the Marlins in a seven-player deal.

The Marlins also will receive pitching prospect Tayron Guerrero and cash for right-handers Jarred Cosart and Carter Capps and two minor-leaguers, pitching prospect Luis Castillo and first baseman Josh Naylor.

“The one message it does send is that we’re trying to win,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “We have an opportunity.”

The Marlins are in contention for their first playoff berth since 2003 despite a shaky rotation. Aside from ace Jose Fernandez, their starters are 23-24 with an ERA of 4.40.

Rea will start Saturday against the Cardinals, and Cashner will pitch Sunday.

Cashner is 4-7 with a 4.76 ERA in 16 starts, including a 2.55 ERA in his last three outings. He has a career record of 30-49 with a 3.73 ERA in seven seasons.

Mattingly faced the 6-foot-6 Cashner often in the NL West when he managed the Dodgers.

“I’ve seen him really good,” Mattingly said. “He’s got power stuff. He was their No. 1, and he has that kind of stuff.”

Rea, in his second season, is 5-5 with a 4.98 ERA.

The Padres’ prize might be Naylor, 19, a left-handed power hitter who was the Marlins’ first pick in the 2015 draft.

Cosart went 13-11 in 2014 but has struggled since. Capps, a reliever with a 100-mph fastball, underwent Tommy John surgery in March.