Short hops

• San Diego manager Bud Black was asked before Sunday's game about the growth Andrew Cashner -- who got the start Sunday against the Dodgers -- has made this season.

"He now understands how good his fastball is and how to use it," Black said. "He's able to move his fastball around more than earlier in the year. I think early on, he was consumed with his secondary pitches that he got away from his fastball duties."

But Cashner's growth as a starting pitcher goes beyond statistical gains and mechanical fixes, Black noted.

"There's more of a poise to him," Black said. "... More self-confidence."