SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 15: Andrew Cashner #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at PETCO Park on July 15, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

By Dan Jenkins

@DanTJenkins

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) — As the MLB trade deadline approaches, it appears more and more likely that the Detroit Tigers will be buyers.

The Tigers have been rumored to be interested in obtaining help for their pitching staff, both for the rotation and the bullpen. Now, MLB insider Jon Heyman is reporting that the Tigers may be in the running for San Diego Padres starter Andrew Cashner.

“Cashner’s prediction that he will be dealt looks like a lock with the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers all thought to be in the mix to varying degrees.”

Cashner, a 29 year old who has played with the Padres and the Cubs through parts of his seven-year career, has been average so far this season — posting a 4.70 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP.

The Tigers have had trouble finding consistency in 2016 from their starting rotation outside of veteran Justin Verlander and rookie sensation Michael Fulmer.

Though he started the season as one of the American League’s best pitchers, newcomer Jordan Zimmermann came back down to earth in May and June before hitting the disabled list on July 5. Anibal Sanchez, Mike Pelfrey and the revolving fifth spot have all been less than reliable.

The Tigers’ rotation has struggled (4.49 ERA) but it has been better than 2015, when it posted a 4.78 ERA.

Average to below-average starting pitching is all that the trade market has to offer this summer — with the exception maybe of Chris Sale being available — so even lower-tier starters could command a lot in return.

With the Tigers’ depleted farm system, Al Avila may have a hard time packaging together enough to get a quality starting pitcher in return.

The Tigers have also been rumored to being in the running to acquire one of a few different starters from the Tampa Bay Rays.