Over three-quarters of Cain's MLB appearances came as a starting pitcher, and during his career, he amassed 58 complete games and two shutouts. Although his won–lost record was only 53–60 (.469) with an earned run average of 4.83, he posted seasons of 13 (1933) and 15 (1936) wins. However, Cain exhibited poor control of his repertoire, allowing more than 100 bases on balls for three straight seasons (1933–1935), leading the American League in walks issued (123) in 1935, and averaging 5.2 walks per nine innings pitched over his big-league career. Altogether, in 9871⁄3 innings, Cain allowed 1,119 hits and 569 bases on balls, with 279 strikeouts.