Michael Wacha
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2014Crushers10101044077.05933227063.86
2015Crushers441120025.020882132.88
2016Crushers2929611490194.01699068186224.18
2017Crushers771012039.05027143246.23
2018Crushers2929229100147.01649562149255.82
2019Mudhens151531550103.09141458383.58
2020Mudhens12121019068.095582462137.68
2021Manatees00000000.0000000.00
2022Manatees1140021045.04116164863.20
2023Manatees2323611180168.01376144162153.27
2024Manatees2424421160163.11217164144223.91
2025Manatees550041031.22617821104.83
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 30 2025Wacha (4-8) allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out one over five innings to take the loss on Monday versus the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha didn't get much support in the contest, which saw him take the loss for the fourth time in five starts in June. His last two outings had been quality starts, and he ended the month with 17 runs allowed over 28.1 innings. The veteran right-hander is now at a 3.62 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 75:26 K:BB through 97 innings over 17 starts this season. He's projected for a road start in Arizona his next time out.
Jun 25 2025Wacha (4-7) was saddled with the loss Wednesday against the Rays, giving up three runs on nine hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out nine. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha brought some of his best swing-and-miss stuff to the mound, registering 19 whiffs en route to fanning a season-high nine in his eighth quality start of the year. The veteran right-hander poured in 65 of his 93 pitches for strikes, but he did match a season worst in hits allowed in the process. Through 92 frames on the campaign, Wacha holds a quality 3.33 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 74:24 K:BB. His next appearance is slated for next week at pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park against the Mariners, who have a poor .634 OPS at home since the start of May.
Jun 19 2025Wacha (4-6) came away with the win against Texas on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha faced the minimum number of batters in three of the six innings he pitched, and he kept the Rangers off the board until the sixth, when he yielded an RBI double to Marcus Semien. Thursday marked Wacha's seventh quality start of the season (three of which have come over his last four outings) and his 3.24 ERA (across 86 innings) is 16th best among qualified starters in the American League. He's lined up to face Tampa Bay at home next week.
Jun 14 2025Wacha (3-6) took the loss Friday, giving up five runs on nine hits and two walks over 5.1 innings as the Royals fell 6-4 to the A's. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander kept things close through five innings despite serving up solo shots to Austin Wynns and Luis Urias amid a barrage of singles, but Wacha gave up two more knocks with one out in the sixth and watched both runners come around to score after he'd gotten the hook. Wacha has gone five straight starts without getting into the win column, but his 4.13 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB through 28.1 innings during that stretch suggest the issue has more to do with the Royals' offense than his own performance. He'll look to end that drought in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week against the Rangers.
Jun 7 2025Wacha (3-5) took the loss against the White Sox on Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five batters over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha gave up a two-run homer in the second inning and a solo shot in the third, accounting for all of the runs against him. He was otherwise fine, racking up 12 whiffs and throwing 64 of 95 pitches for strikes, but the right-hander got only one run of support as he fell to 3-5. Wacha did manage to notch his second straight quality start and his sixth overall this season, and he's been a steady part of Kansas City's rotation with a 3.01 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 74.2 frames.
May 31 2025Wacha did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out six across seven scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was locked into a fierce duel with Tigers ace Tarik Skubal on Saturday. Wacha retired 19 of the first 20 batters he faced, but he saw his no-hit bid come to an end in the seventh on a Colt Keith single to center field. Wacha managed to close out the inning without allowing another baserunner, finishing with his fifth quality start and third outing this season in which he yielded zero runs. He has a 2.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 50:18 K:BB across 68.2 innings this season. Wacha is lined up to face the White Sox on the road next weekend.
May 24 2025Wacha came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 5-4 loss to the Twins, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk over five-plus innings. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander served up solo shots to Harrison Bader in the fifth inning and Kody Clemens to lead off the sixth, the first time this season that Wacha has been taken deep multiple times in the same game. The four earned runs also tied his season high, while the single K was a season low. Wacha will take a 3.21 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 44:17 KP:BB through 61.2 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Tigers.
May 18 2025Wacha did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 2-1 win against St. Louis, allowing one run on eight hits and no walks over five innings. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old looked sharp once again in this 83-pitch performance against one of his former clubs. Over his last eight outings, Wacha has conceded three or fewer runs in each while firing a 2.49 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 47 innings. The only damage on the veteran right-hander's day happened on a 430-foot solo shot by Alec Burleson in the fourth. Wacha currently lines up to make his next start at Minnesota next weekend.
May 12 2025Wacha (3-4) earned the win Monday at Houston, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks over 6.1 innings. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander limited damage in this 88-pitch performance, scattering six singles and two doubles while generating only six whiffs. Wacha collected his fourth consecutive quality start, as he's pitched to a 1.75 ERA, 1.09 WHIP across 25.2 innings during that span. Through 51.2 total frames, the 33-year-old sports a 2.96 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB. He is currently slated to make his next start against one of his former teams, the Cardinals, at home this weekend.
May 7 2025Wacha (2-4) grabbed the win Wednesday against the White Sox after allowing three hits and one walk in seven scoreless innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was one of the finest efforts of the season for Wacha, who tossed a season-high seven innings. While the right-hander has fanned more than five just once among his eight starts, Wednesday marked his third straight quality start and second scoreless outing during this stretch. Despite his lack of overpowering stuff, Wacha has surrendered just two home runs this season. He boasts a 2.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 34:14 K:BB over 45.1 innings ahead of his next scheduled appearance, which tentatively lines up against the Astros next week.
May 2 2025Wacha (1-4) took the loss against the Orioles on Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three over 6.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha retired the minimum number of batters in four of his first six scoreless innings, but things unravelled in the seventh. After giving up a double, Wacha lost his shutout bid on a Ryan O'Hearn two-run home run, and the former was tagged for a third run later in the frame. It was a disappointing finish to what was otherwise a strong performance for Wacha, who has logged two quality starts in a row. He's in line to face the White Sox at home next week.
Apr 20 2025Wacha did not factor into the decision in Sunday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Tigers, allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old looked sharper in this 89-pitch performance, generating an impressive 14 whiffs while scattering seven singles. The Tigers plated both runs against Wacha in a four-hit fifth inning. Despite not completing six innings in any outing to qualify for a quality start this season, Wacha has been respectable, pitching to a 4.15 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB across 26 innings. He is currently scheduled to draw his next start against the Astros at home next weekend.
Apr 15 2025Wacha (0-3) took the loss against the Yankees on Tuesday. He allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four across 5.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was in control for most of his outing and entered the sixth inning without having allowed a run. He was lifted after giving up a single and two walks and was tagged with three of the Yankees' four runs after Angel Zerpa followed up a bases-loaded walk by yielding a three-run double to Jasson Dominguez. Wacha has taken the loss in three of his first four starts of the season while registering a 4.35 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15:10 K:BB across 20.2 innings. The 33-year-old right-hander is slated to face the Tigers on the road this weekend, when he'll look to earn his first win of 2025.
Apr 10 2025Wacha did not factor into the decision Thursday against Minnesota, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was solid Thursday, holding the Twins to one run on a Ty France homer through five innings before the Royals' bullpen allowed an inherited runner to score after Wacha was pulled in the sixth. While it wasn't an ideal finish, it was a step in the right direction for Wacha, who had lost his first two starts this season, allowing five runs on 10 hits and five walks over 9.2 innings. The veteran right-hander currently lines up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.
Apr 5 2025Wacha (0-2) allowed four earned runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five across 5.2 innings to take the loss Saturday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha worked through five innings fairly effectively, allowing only two earned runs in the second frame. However, he allowed a pair of hitters to reach base in the sixth inning before being pulled and suffered from an inflated line after both came around to score. Positively, Wacha was much sharper than his first start of the season when he walked four.
Mar 30 2025Wacha (0-1) yielded a run on four hits and four walks over four innings Sunday, striking out two and taking a loss against Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lone run against Wacha came in the second inning when Carlos Santana knocked a leadoff double and came around to score on Gabriel Arias' sacrifice fly. Wacha worked around a couple of other sticky situations but ultimately needed 87 pitches (52 strikes) to work through four frames. He walked four or more batters just twice out of his 29 regular-season starts in 2024. Wacha will look for better results in his next outing, which is projected to be at home against Baltimore.
Mar 14 2025Wacha gave up three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and one walk in Friday's spring start against the Angels. He has a 12.38 ERA with a 10:3 K:BB in eight innings this spring. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There shouldn't be much worry about Wacha's poor spring numbers since he's a veteran with a secure spot in the rotation. He still has a strong 10 strikeouts in eight innings. Wacha has been a quality source for ERA and WHIP three years running, and he returns to a pretty good situation after re-upping with Kansas City on a multi-year deal.
Nov 3 2024Wacha agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Royals on Sunday that includes a $14 million club option for 2028, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was expected to decline his $16 million player option for 2025, but Kansas City utilized the exclusive five-day negotiating window after the World Series to secure a new deal. Wacha was a key rotation piece for the Royals during their 2024 resurgence with a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 145:45 K:BB over 166.2 innings.
Oct 8 2024Wacha will start Thursday in Game 4 of the ALDS against the Yankees, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha had a rough outing in Game 1 on Saturday, allowing three earned runs on four hits and three walks over four innings en route to a loss. The 33-year-old righty is no stranger to poor postseason performances, as he owns a 5.36 ERA over 42 innings across nine playoff appearances in his career.
Oct 3 2024Wacha will start Saturday in Game 1 of the ALDS versus the Yankees, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha had been lined up for Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series, but with the Royals completing a two-game sweep of the Orioles, the righty will be held back for the ALDS opener. He'll be opposed by Gerrit Cole.
Sep 26 2024Wacha didn't factor into the decision Thursday versus Washington, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Three of the four runs charged to Wacha came on a Luis Garcia homer in the third inning. The veteran right-hander hadn't allowed more than two runs in four starts coming into Thursday, posting a 1.99 ERA in that span (22.2 innings). Wacha will finish a solid campaign with a 13-8 record, 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 145:45 K:BB across 166.2 innings.
Sep 20 2024Wacha (9-3) took the loss Friday against the Giants, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After rattling off consecutive wins over his last two starts, the 33-year-old veteran fell one out short of his 15th quality start in this 96-pitch outing. The Giants managed to knock only two extra-base hits -- a double and a triple, both by Heliot Ramos -- off Wacha has both runs scored came on RBI singles. He has now gone four straight starts allowing two or fewer runs, over which he's pitched to a 1.58 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB across 22.2 innings. Wacha currently lines up to make his final outing of the season at Washington next week.
Sep 14 2024Wacha (13-7) picked up the win in Saturday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over five innings. He struck out eight. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander got staked to a 1-0 lead before he stepped on the mound and never relinquished it, generating 18 swinging strikes among his 93 pitches. Wacha has gone an impressive 9-1 in 13 starts since the beginning of July, posting a 2.67 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 71:20 K:BB over 77.2 innings during that stretch. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Giants.
Sep 8 2024Wacha (12-7) allowed four hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha escaped some danger in the first inning but didn't allow a runner to reach scoring position for the rest of his outing. He got right back in the win column after taking his first loss in over two months in his last start. Wacha forced 16 whiffs, the second-highest total he's produced this season. Of those 16, 12 came via the changeup. Wacha dropped his season ERA to 3.34 with a 130:40 K:BB through 151 innings. His next outing is projected to be in Pittsburgh.
Sep 2 2024Wacha (11-7) allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three over five innings, taking the loss Monday versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha allowed just one hit through the first four innings but ran into trouble in the fifth, giving up four hits, including a two-run homer to Lane Thomas. Wacha picked up his first loss since June 22, ending a streak of 11 straight starts without a loss. The 33-year-old remains a steady presence in the middle of the Royals rotation, with a 3.50 ERA through 144 innings this season.
Aug 28 2024Wacha came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's loss to the Guardians, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and zero walks while striking out seven in six-plus innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha allowed just two runs over the first six innings and was on pace to record his sixth-consecutive quality start, but a three-run seventh inning soured an otherwise efficient outing. Bo Naylor led off the seventh with a solo home run before back-to-back singles by Steven Kwan and Andres Gimenez chased Wacha from the game. Both of those runners came around to score to give Wacha five earned runs on the night, the most he has allowed since May 4. Wednesday's outing is a minor blemish in what has been an excellent campaign for the veteran, particularly since the All-Star break. Since the intermission, the 33-year-old is a perfect 5-0 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 42:11 K:BB in 49.2 innings (eight starts). He is scheduled for a rematch against Cleveland early next week.
Aug 24 2024Wacha (11-6) picked up the win Friday, giving up two runs on six hits over six innings in a 7-4 victory over the Phillies. He struck out five without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander was sharp once again, tossing 64 of 94 pitches for strikes en route to his fifth straight quality start and 13th of the season -- his highest total since 2017. Wacha also hasn't been stuck with a loss since June 22, winning seven straight decisions with a 2.40 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB over 60 innings since then. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Cleveland.
Aug 17 2024Wacha (10-6) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, allowing four hits and issuing one walk while striking out nine batters over six scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals built a 10-run lead through three frames, so Wacha didn't face much pressure in the contest. Still, he didn't let down his guard, yielding just four hits -- all of which were singles -- while tossing six scoreless frames for his fourth consecutive quality start. Wacha 's nine punchouts were a season high, and he reached the double-digit win mark for the fifth time in his 12-year career.
Aug 10 2024Wacha (9-6) earned the win over St. Louis on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out six batters over seven innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha served up a two-run homer to Paul Goldschmidt in the second inning but blanked the Cardinals from that point on. The veteran hurler notched 15 whiffs and tossed 62 of 92 pitches for strikes in the efficient outing, and he finished with his third straight quality start. Wacha has been very consistent for three-plus months, as he hasn't allowed more than three earned runs over his past 14 starts dating back to May 4. He owns a 2.59 ERA and an 8-2 record during that stretch.
Aug 4 2024Wacha did not factor into the decision after allowing two runs on seven hits and four walks over six innings against the Tigers on Sunday. He struck out two batters in the win. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha struggled with his command and threw only 58 of 99 pitches for strikes. The four walks were the second most he's issued in a start this season behind only his May 9 outing against the Angels. Since the beginning of July, Wacha has produced four quality starts in six outings, going 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA in the process. For the year, his ERA sits at 3.55 with a 93:35 K:BB through 20 starts. Wacha's next outing is projected to be at home against the Cardinals.
Jul 31 2024Wacha (8-6) picked up the win Tuesday, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over seven innings in a 4-3 victory over the White Sox. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander delivered his ninth quality start of the season on 89 pitches (57 strikes), but Wacha actually left the mound with the Royals down 2-1 before the offense put up a three spot in the top of the eighth to make him a winner. He incredibly hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 4, posting a 2.56 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB through 70.1 innings over his last 12 outings despite missing most of June with a foot fracture. Wacha will look to keep rolling in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Red Sox.
Jul 25 2024Wacha did not factor into the decision in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, allowing three hits on six hits and one walk over 4.2 innings while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha didn't have his best stuff Wednesday, surrendering a solo homer to Eugenio Suarez in the second inning and later giving up another two long balls, back-to-back, in the fourth to put Kansas City at a 3-1 deficit. The three home runs allowed marked a season high for the veteran right-hander, while the one strikeout was also his lowest total of the campaign. Wacha had gone at least five innings in 10 consecutive starts heading into Wednesday's matchup.
Jul 20 2024Wacha (7-6) allowed four hits and a walk over seven shutout frames Friday, striking out seven and earning a win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha gave up a leadoff double on the second pitch of the game but allowed just one other runner to reach scoring position during his outing. He retired 13 of the last 14 batters he faced. Since giving up seven runs to the Rangers on May 4, Wacha hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any start. During that 10-game stretch, he's 6-2 with a 2.30 ERA. Wacha dropped his season ERA down to 3.55 with an 85:28 K:BB through 96.1 innings. His next start is projected to be at home against the Diamondbacks.
Jul 10 2024Wacha (6-6) earned the win over the Cardinals in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out three batters over five innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't a smooth outing for Wacha, as he tossed only one 1-2-3 inning and needed 84 pitches to get through five frames. Kansas City's offense gave him ample support, but the right-hander nearly lost his chance at a victory when he gave up two runs in the bottom of the fifth to allow St. Louis to close the gap to 5-4. The three earned runs were the most Wacha has allowed since May 4 -- over his previous eight starts, he had posted a 2.31 ERA and 1.03 WHIP across 46.2 frames. Wacha's overall 3.83 ERA puts him on pace to log a third straight season with a sub-4.00 earned run average.
Jul 9 2024Wacha and the Royals won't play the Cardinals on Tuesday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game will be made up as a split doubleheader Wednesday. Wacha should start one of those contests, and Wednesday's originally scheduled starter, Alec Marsh, is likely to start the other contest.
Jul 4 2024Wacha (5-6) earned the win Wednesday over the Rays, allowing one run on two hits and three walks while striking out eight over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha gave up a first-inning home run to Isaac Paredes and settled in from there with another excellent start. He's now allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight straight starts and matched his season high with eight strikeouts. Wacha owns a 3.74 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 75:26 K:BB in 84.1 innings and lines up for a road start against the Cardinals next week.
Jun 28 2024Wacha did not factor into the decision in a win over the Guardians on Thursday, allowing one run on seven hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha loaded the bases in the second inning after walking two batters and hitting another one with a pitch, but the right-hander was able to work his way out of the jam and didn't surrender a run until the fifth when Daniel Schneemann got him for a sacrifice fly. Wacha has gotten little offensive support of late, failing to walk away with a win for the fourth consecutive start despite allowing two or fewer runs in each of those outings. Wacha actually hasn't surrendered more than two runs in seven straight starts, and he lowered his ERA to 3.91 with Thursday's performance.
Jun 23 2024Wacha (4-6) took the loss Saturday as the Royals were blanked 6-0 by the Rangers, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making his first start in June after recovering from a foot fracture, Wacha was sharp over 74 pitches (52 strikes) but had no margin for error, and a Josh Smith solo shot in the fourth inning tagged him with the loss. The veteran right-hander has given up two earned runs or less in six straight outings dating back to May 9, posting a 2.55 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB through 35.1 innings over that stretch. Wacha will look to get back in the win column in his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Guardians.
Jun 22 2024The Royals reinstated Wacha (foot) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start against the Rangers on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was placed on the injured list June 2 due to a non-displaced left foot fracture he sustained on a comebacker against the Padres on May 31. He made a rehab start in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Monday, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out six over four scoreless innings. To make room for Wacha, right-hander Steven Cruz was optioned to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.
Jun 18 2024Wacha (foot) struck out six and gave up two hits and no walks over four scoreless innings in his rehab start Monday with the Royals' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Royals manager Matt Quatraro said prior to the outing that Wacha might need just the one rehab start before returning from the 15-day injured list and rejoining the major-league rotation this weekend against the Rangers. Given how well he pitched, Wacha looks to be a good bet to be activated this weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday. He's been sidelined since early June with a non-displaced left foot fracture.
Jun 17 2024Wacha (foot) will make a rehab start Monday in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Sunday that Wacha may need only the one outing in the minors before returning from the 15-day injured list and making his next start with Kansas City this coming weekend in Arlington versus the Rangers. Wacha threw a three-inning simulated game Thursday, so he could be stretched out for close to a typical starter's workload if he's able to tack on another inning during Monday's outing. The right-hander has been on the injured list since June 2 with a non-displaced left foot fracture.
Jun 13 2024Wacha (foot) completed a three-inning simulated game Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals will wait and see how Wacha feels Friday following the sim game before deciding on his next steps, but the right-hander will most likely head out on a minor-league rehab assignment if he's not feeling any renewed discomfort in his fractured left foot. If Wacha is cleared to make a rehab start Monday or Tuesday, he could be an option to return from the 15-day injured list and slot back into the Kansas City rotation next weekend.
Jun 10 2024Wacha (foot) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It will be the first time Wacha has thrown off a mound since he suffered a non-displaced left foot fracture back on May 31 when he was hit by a comebacker. The hope is that he will be able to rejoin the Royals' rotation before the end of the month, but he still has some steps to take in his progression and might need a rehab start.
Jun 2 2024The Royals are hopeful that Wacha, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a small, non-displaced fracture in his left foot, will be able to rejoin the active roster in 3-to-4 weeks, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he's without an official timeline for a return, Wacha at least looks poised to avoid surgery to address the injury, which he sustained when he was hit by a line drive in the first inning of his start Friday against the Padres. According to MLB.com, Wacha will be able to play catch on a knee to help keep his arm conditioned, but a firmer target date won't come into focus until the soreness in his fractured foot subsides and he's able to put full weight on the leg when he throws. He'll be limited to light catch for the next 7-to-10 days before potentially increasing his baseball activities after that, according to Goldberg.
May 31 2024Wacha was wearing a walking boot on his left foot following Friday's loss to the Padres, Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha took a 90-mph line drive off his left foot during the first at-bat of Friday's contest. He was able to remain in the game and pitch 5.1 innings of two-run ball while logging two strikeouts, but it definitely seems like his shot to the foot bothered him. The 32-year-old right-hander said after the game that he will undergo imaging Saturday, at which point he and the Royals will have a better idea of how severe the damage is.
May 26 2024Wacha (4-5) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out seven over six-plus innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was perfect through five innings and pitched around two baserunners in the sixth. He then gave up two hits to start the seventh, and John Schreiber allowed both runners plus two more to come around to score. Despite the loss, this was Wacha's fourth straight quality start and his sixth such outing of the season. He's pitched to a 4.31 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB through 62.2 innings over 11 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start at home versus his most recent former team, the Padres.
May 20 2024Wacha (4-4) allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings Monday, striking out three and earning a win over Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha kept the Tigers off the board until Kerry Carpenter took him deep with a solo shot in the fourth inning. Colt Keith later added an RBI double in the seventh. Wacha has turned in three straight quality starts and earned a win in each one. Before this hot streak, he went 0-4 with a 7.01 ERA over a five-start span. The veteran righty is sporting a 4.45 ERA with a 47:18 K:BB through 56.2 frames. Wacha's next start is expected to be in Tampa Bay this weekend.
May 14 2024Wacha (3-4) allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha limited the damage to a Luke Raley solo home run in the fourth inning. This was Wacha's second quality start in a row and his fourth in nine outings this year. He's also walked multiple batters in five of his starts, but he's given up a reasonable five homers. The right-hander has a 4.71 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 49.2 innings. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Tigers.
May 10 2024Wacha (2-4) picked up the win over the Angels on Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits and five walks over six-plus innings. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha produced three 1-2-3 innings and mostly avoided trouble up until the seventh, when he allowed three runs to come across. The right-hander issued a season-high five walks, with the latter two pushing runs home for Los Angeles. However, Wacha was still able to produce his first quality start since April 17 while recording his first win since April 6, both against the White Sox. He carries an 8.38 ERA in May (two starts), posting a 9:6 K:BB in 9.2 innings.
May 4 2024Wacha (1-4) took the loss against Texas on Saturday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three batters over 3.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was pelted by seven singles among the nine hits he allowed, and he exited with two outs in the fourth frame after giving up a single to four of the final five batters he faced. The seven runs were a season-worst mark for the right-hander, while his three punchouts tied a season low. Wacha was doing fine with a 3.81 ERA through his first five starts this season, but that number has since ballooned to 5.50 as a result of the veteran hurler giving up 11 earned runs over 9.1 innings across his past two appearances.
Apr 28 2024Wacha (1-3) was saddled with the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on nine hits over 5.2 innings against the Tigers. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was given an early one-run lead before he even took the hill but gave up three runs in the first two innings and four total while the Royals were able to support him with only that one first-inning tally. The veteran righty entered the day having allowed just two home runs over his first 28.1 innings but was tagged for two homers and two doubles amongst the nine hits allowed. Wacha's next start is tentatively scheduled to take place next week during a weekend set at home against the Rangers.
Apr 24 2024Wacha didn't factor into the decision during Tuesday's win over Toronto, allowing two earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four batters across 4.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Blue Jays reached base with consistency versus Wacha on Tuesday, but the 32-year-old was able to pitch himself out of jams more often than not. As a result, he required 96 pitches to get through 4.1 frames -- his shortest start of the season so far. He owns a 3.81 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 28.1 innings through his first five starts as a Royal and projects to pitch again Sunday in Detroit.
Apr 17 2024Wacha (1-2) was charged with the loss in Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the White Sox after he gave up two runs on four hits and two walks across six innings. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander allowed only single tallies in the fourth and sixth innings, but that was enough to saddle him with the loss as Kansas City mustered just one run. It's the second quality start of the season for Wacha, and he's last at least five frames in all four of his starts. The 32-year-old has a 3.75 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over 24 innings.
Apr 13 2024Wacha (1-1) took the loss Friday, coughing up five runs on 10 hits and two walks over six innings as the Royals were downed 6-1 by the Mets. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander managed to keep the ball in the park, but that might have been the only silver lining to his performance as Wacha tossed 56 of 84 pitches for strikes before getting the hook and managed only seven swinging strikes. Despite the stumble, he'll take a 4.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB through 18 innings into his next start, which is scheduled for next week on the road against the White Sox.
Apr 6 2024Wacha (1-0) picked up the win Saturday versus the White Sox, permitting just two hits and a walk over seven scoreless frames while striking out eight. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha yielded a one-out double to Martin Maldonado in the sixth inning when the game was still scoreless, but that was the only time all night when you could say he encountered any ounce of trouble. The right-hander cruised through his seven innings on 93 pitches, registering 10 swinging strikes along the way. He's struck out 13 and allowed only five hits in his first 12 innings this season.
Apr 1 2024Wacha did not factor into the decision Monday against the Orioles, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha drew a tough matchup in his Royals debut as he had to face a difficult Orioles lineup in Baltimore. He was pitching well until the fourth inning, when the Orioles managed to collect three runs on three hits, including a 408-foot Ryan Mountcastle two-run homer. Outside of the fourth inning, Wacha fared well Monday, relying heavily on his patented changeup (30.6 percent usage rate), generating seven whiffs with the pitch. The 32-year-old righty is tentatively scheduled to face the White Sox at home in his next start.
Mar 25 2024Manager Matt Quatraro said Monday that Wacha will not miss time due to a bruised right middle finger, Jackson Stone of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha sustained the injury Sunday during an intrasquad game. Quatraro added that Wacha woke up Monday morning and "forgot about" the injury, so the right-hander should be ready for his first regular season start against the Orioles on April 1.
Mar 24 2024Wacha suffered a bruised right middle finger during an intrasquad game Sunday and will undergo X-rays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Royals are optimistic it's not a worrisome injury, but Wacha's status will be a bit up in the air until the results of the X-rays are known. Assuming it's not a serious issue, Wacha may still be able to make his first start of the season next weekend versus Minnesota.
Mar 4 2024Wacha has allowed one run on three hits and struck out three without walking a batter over three innings across his first two Cactus League starts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha's doing just fine in spring training. The veteran right-hander will need to stay healthy to be an effective starter, but he's logged 20-plus starts in each of the last three seasons while keeping his ERA under 3.50 in the last two years. The Royals' pitching staff was a weakness in 2023, and signing Wacha to a two-year deal addressed that concern. He'll likely continue to offer solid control and an ability to keep the ball in the yard, but he may regress in the surface stats in his age-32 season.
Dec 15 2023Wacha signed a two-year, $32 million contract with the Royals on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The deal includes an opt out after the first year. Kansas City has been busy lately, adding Seth Lugo and now Wacha to its rotation in addition to Hunter Renfroe to its outfield and Will Smith to its bullpen. Wacha hasn't made 30 starts in a season since 2017, but he's been very effective when healthy over the last two seasons, collecting a 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 228:74 K:BB over 261.2 innings.
Nov 6 2023Wacha declined his $6.5 million player option for 2024 on Monday and will become a free agent. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After the Padres informed Wacha that they wouldn't exercise a two-year, $32 million option that would keep him on the books through 2025, the veteran right-hander declined to decline an option of his own, albeit at a less favorable annual salary. Wacha presumably feels he can find a better deal on the open market, a fair conclusion after he turned in a 3.22 ERA (4.30 xERA), 1.16 WHIP and 14.6 K-BB% in 134.1 innings for the Friars in 2023. Durability has been a concern for Wacha for much of his career -- he hasn't made 30 starts in a season since 2017 -- so he may not be able to find a team that's willing to sign him to more than a two- or three-year deal as he heads into his age-32 campaign.
Nov 4 2023The Padres declined Wacha's two-year, $32 million option for 2024-25 on Saturday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has a $6.5 million player option for 2024 that he's expected to decline, at which point the pitcher will become a free agent. The right-hander has posted a nifty 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 228:74 K:BB over 261.2 innings covering the last two seasons. He hasn't made more than 24 starts in a season since 2017, though, and the Padres decided he wasn't worth the risk as they look to trim payroll.
Sep 30 2023Wacha (14-4) earned the win Saturday, allowing three hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old scattered three singles and needed just 87 pitches to complete seven scoreless innings en route to his 14th victory of the campaign. Outside of a recent seven-run start against the Dodgers, Wacha compiled a 6-1 record with a 2.82 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 48:15 K:BB across 44.2 innings after returning from a shoulder injury Aug. 15. Building upon a resurgent 2022 season for the Red Sox, the right-hander's first year in San Diego concludes with a 3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 124:43 K:BB across 134.1 innings with his highest win total since Wacha went 17-7 in 2015.
Sep 24 2023Wacha (13-4) yielded two runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings Sunday, striking out six and picking up a win over St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha rolled through six shutout frames before the Cardinals finally broke through with two runs in the seventh inning. The Padres had already provided 12 runs of support before then. Wacha earned his second straight win and lowered his season ERA to 3.39 across 127.1 frames. However, he owns a 5.54 ERA in five September outings. Wacha is projected to close out his 2023 season with a road start against the White Sox.
Sep 18 2023Wacha (12-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and struck out six without walking a batter over five innings to earn the win over the Rockies on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha departed with a comfortable 11-3 lead in the contest, though the Padres' bullpen allowed six runs to score. Wacha has given up at least three runs in four of his last five outings, and he's completing six innings in just one of them. It's a noticeable drop in quality from what he was doing in May and June prior to a shoulder injury. Wacha is at a 3.44 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 111:41 K:BB through 120.1 innings through 22 starts this season. The veteran righty is lined up for a home start against one of his former teams, the Cardinals, over the weekend.
Sep 12 2023Wacha (11-4) allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha matched his season low in innings while also equaling his season high in runs allowed. He also gave up multiple home runs for just the third time in 21 starts. The poor outing accounted for his second loss in a row, and he's allowed 10 runs over eight innings in that shaky span. For the year, he's at a 3.43 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 105:41 K:BB over 115.1 innings. Considering he's gone five years without tossing more than 130 innings, he may be wearing down as the campaign winds to a close. Wacha is projected for a home start versus the Rockies next week.
Sep 6 2023Wacha (11-3) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings against Philadelphia. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha struggled from the start Wednesday, surrendering a lead-off homer to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning. The 32-year-old Wacha had been pitching well since returning from the IL on Aug. 15, working to a 2.91 ERA over his prior four starts. He now sports a 2.99 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 102:38 K:BB across 20 starts (111.1 innings) this season. He'll look to right the ship in his next outing, currently scheduled for early next week against the Dodgers.
Sep 1 2023Wacha (11-2) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Giants on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was able to secure his first quality start in four outings since returning from a shoulder injury. He gave up an early solo home to Wilmer Flores and a sacrifice fly to Brandon Crawford in the fourth inning. Prior to his last start, Wacha hadn't given up more than four runs in 12 straight outings, and it's encouraging he's getting back to that level of performance after a minor hiccup. He's at a 2.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 96:35 K:BB through 107.1 innings over 19 starts this season. Wacha is projected for a home start versus the Phillies next week.
Aug 27 2023Wacha allowed four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Brewers on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was responsible for the first two runs of the Brewers' seven-run rally in the sixth inning, but Steven Wilson ended up on the hook for the loss. Wacha matched his season high with five walks, and this was the first time since April 20 that he's allowed more than three runs. The veteran right-hander is now at a 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 90:33 K:BB through 101.1 innings across 18 starts this season. Given how well he's pitching for the majority of the season, there's little reason to be concerned heading into his next projected start at home versus the Giants.
Aug 21 2023Wacha improved to 10-2 with a win over Miami on Monday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over 5.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his second start since coming off the injured list Aug. 15, Wacha shut down the Marlins for five innings until Josh Bell tagged him for s solo homer in the sixth. That long ball was the only extra-base hit Wacha gave up in the outing, and he emerged with his 10th victory of the campaign. The right-hander has shown no signs of rust since rejoining the rotation, yielding just the one run over 10.1 frames while posting a 12:3 K:BB and picking up a pair of wins.
Aug 15 2023Wacha (9-2) allowed three hits and a walk while striking out five over five scoreless innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha returned from a six-week absence with shoulder inflammation. He drew a tough assignment and pitched well in his first game back, throwing 48 of 77 pitches for strikes. He's been one of the Padres' best starters when healthy, posting a 2.68 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 78:26 K:BB over 90.2 innings across 16 starts. Wacha is tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Diamondbacks over the weekend.
Aug 12 2023Padres manager Bob Melvin said Friday that Wacha (shoulder) will rejoin the Padres rotation against Baltimore on Tuesday, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha made his second minor-league rehab outing Thursday, throwing 67 pitches over five innings at the Padres' complex in Arizona. He appears to have come away from the appearance without any issues, as San Diego has penciled him in to return to the rotation Tuesday against the Orioles. Wacha could be on a mild pitch count for that contest given that he hasn't tossed in a big-league game since July 1.
Aug 6 2023Wacha (shoulder) made a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A El Paso on Saturday, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out two batters over two scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha made his first game appearance since tossing five innings for the Padres against Cincinnati on July 1. The right-hander was a bit wild in the rehab start, throwing just half of his 46 pitches for a strike, but he didn't allow any runs and appeared to come out of the outing physically fine. Per MLB.com, Wacha could return to the Padres as soon as next weekend against Arizona, though another rehab appearance is also a possibility.
Aug 4 2023Wacha (shoulder) will make a rehab start for Triple-A El Paso on Saturday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The expectation is that Wacha will throw between 50-60 pitches in his first live action since July 1. Wacha has been ramping up slowly after a brief shutdown period following his placement on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. He figures to require at least one more rehab outing beyond Saturday before slotting back into the Padres' rotation.
Aug 1 2023Wacha (shoulder) faced live hitters Monday, tossing two simulated innings to minor-leaguers in San Diego, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was the first time Wacha has faced live hitters since he went on the injured list with right shoulder fatigue July 4. Padres manager Bob Melvin said the right-handed hurler "felt good" after the session and indicated that Wacha's next steps will be discussed after seeing how he feels Tuesday. Acee reports that San Diego hopes to slot Wacha back into the rotation during a stretch of 13 straight games without an off day that begins Aug. 11.
Jul 31 2023Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha tossed a bullpen session last Tuesday and followed that with another Friday, throwing his full arsenal of pitches in the latter session. He'll progress to facing live hitters Monday, but his next step isn't certain. Wacha has made just one appearance for the Padres since June 19, allowing a run over five innings in a win over the Reds on July 1.
Jul 26 2023Wacha (shoulder) threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday, per MLB.com. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The bullpen was Wacha's first since he landed on the injured list July 4. The veteran hurler threw only fastballs and changeups in the session, and he's expected to mix in the rest of his pitches in another bullpen Friday. If that goes well, Wacha could return to the Padres' rotation in early August.
Jul 21 2023Wacha (shoulder) has resumed playing catch, but manager Bob Melvin said the hurler is unlikely to return to the Padres in July, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is expected to throw on flat ground a few more times before getting on a mound, and he may need a rehab assignment after that since he hasn't pitched in a game since July 1. The right-hander had his turn skipped in the rotation prior to that July 1 start due to the same shoulder issue that resulted in his placement on the IL, so he's thrown from a mound just once over the past month. Melvin mentioned the Padres' approach of extending the pitcher's return timeframe in order to ensure that they "get a healthy Michael Wacha."
Jul 16 2023Wacha (shoulder) said Sunday that he hasn't resumed playing catch since landing on the 15-day injured list July 4, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite having failed to initiate a throwing program since being shut down with right shoulder inflammation, Wacha said he still hopes to make a start during the Padres' road series in Toronto or Detroit, but manager Bob Melvin seemed to dismiss that as a possibility. According to 97.3 The Fan San Diego, Melvin intimated that the earliest Wacha would return from the IL would be "at home," presumably referring to the Padres' homestand that begins July 24. Even if Wacha is cleared to play catch in the coming days, he'll likely then need to complete at least one multi-inning simulated game or minor-league rehab start before the Padres are comfortable activating him.
Jul 4 2023Wacha was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to July 2, with right shoulder inflammation. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has been battling shoulder fatigue in recent weeks, though he was able to deliver five innings of one-run ball Saturday against the Reds to earn his eighth win of the season. He'll be eligible to return to the Padres' rotation shortly after the All-Star break.
Jul 2 2023Wacha (8-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over five innings against the Reds while striking out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha (shoulder) returned Saturday after being forced to skip his last start and managed to pitch his way out of trouble for most of the afternoon, despite allowing the leadoff man to reach base in four of his five innings of work. The right-hander has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in 10 consecutive starts dating back to April 26 against the Cubs while winning six of his last seven decisions (spanning nine starts). He'll look to keep that momentum going next weekend when the Padres take on the Mets in San Diego.
Jul 1 2023Wacha (shoulder) is slated to start Saturday's game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha will return to the mound for his first outing since June 19, but he was able to avoid landing on the injured list after his sore right shoulder responded well to a bullpen session Thursday. Before picking up the shoulder issue, Wacha had been in the midst of one of the best runs of his career. Over his last nine starts, Wacha has covered at least six innings on eight occasions while pitching to a 1.14 ERA and 0.81 WHIP during that stretch.
Jun 29 2023Wacha (shoulder) is throwing a bullpen session Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If the workout goes well, Wacha should be able to slot back into the Padres' starting rotation during their three-game weekend series in Cincinnati. He was skipped on his last turn Saturday versus the Nationals due to right shoulder fatigue.
Jun 23 2023Wacha will bave his turn in the rotation skipped Saturday against the Nationals due to shoulder fatigue, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is expected to miss just one start before returning to the Padres' rotation in his usual spot, which lines up to be June 30 against the Reds. Matt Waldron will be promoted from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday to make a spot start against the Nationals.
Jun 20 2023Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings in a no-decision in Monday's 7-4 extra-inning loss to the Giants. He didn't strike out any batters in the 93-pitch start. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was far from overpowering in the outing -- he notched just three whiffs and didn't strike out any batters -- but he still managed his fourth straight quality start. The right-hander kept the Giants off the scoreboard for four frames before giving up a solo homer in each of the fifth and sixth innings. Wacha improved his ERA to 2.90 with the performance, and that mark is a remarkable 1.14 since the start of May. The veteran has also posted a 0.81 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB over 55.1 innings across nine starts during that span.
Jun 14 2023Wacha (7-2) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out five over 6.2 shutout innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was excellent, and he's logged 12.2 consecutive scoreless innings over his last two starts. This is the seventh time this season he's limited opponents to one run or less, and six of those have been scoreless efforts. He's been scored on in just three of his last eight outings. The veteran right-hander now has a 2.89 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 69:21 K:BB through 74.2 innings over 13 starts. Wacha is lined up to make his next start on the road in San Francisco.
Jun 7 2023Wacha (6-2) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two hits and a walk over 6 scoreless innings against the Mariners. He struck out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is now 4-1 with a sparkling 1.05 ERA over his last seven starts. Following a rocky April, his ERA is down to 3.18 with a 1.09 WHIP and 64:20 K:BB through 12 starts (68 innings) this season. The 31-year-old Wacha has excelled at limiting solid contact so far this year -- his 31 percent hard-hit rate ranks in the 88th percentile among qualified pitchers. He's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Guardians in his next outing.
Jun 2 2023Wacha (5-2) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and five walks over 4.2 innings against the Cubs. He struck out eight. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the first time since April 20, Wacha didn't complete five innings, as he struggled with command, walking a season-high five batters. The eight strikeouts provided some relief, but he ended up taking his second loss of the season. Wacha has been all over the place this season, posting a 0.84 ERA in May following his 6.75 ERA in April. He should settle in near his career ERA of 4.00.
May 27 2023Wacha did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits over 7 innings against the Yankees. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha continued his domination in May, finishing the month with a 3-0 record to go along with a 0.84 ERA and 7.3 K/9 through five starts (32.0 innings), all of which were quality starts. However, his streak of starts without allowing a home run came to an end at four, as Wacha gave up a solo homer to DJ Lemahieu in the seventh. Though Wacha is generally known for his run prevention, he has flashed elite upside in the strikeout department, collecting double-digit K's twice this season. He will have another opportunity to put up gaudy punchout numbers in his next projected start, which comes against the Cubs who strike out the fifth most in MLB.
May 21 2023Wacha (5-1) allowed five hits and a walk over six innings Sunday, striking out four and earning a win over Boston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Every hit allowed by Wacha was a single and he didn't find himself in much trouble Sunday. After posting an ugly 6.75 ERA in April, the veteran righty has been terrific in May. He's given up just one run through 25 innings this month, lowering his season ERA to 3.58 across 50.1 frames. Wacha's next start is currently lined up to be in New York against the Yankees.
May 15 2023Wacha (4-1) earned the win Monday, allowing two baserunners over seven shutout innings against Kansas City. He struck out 11. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A Michael Massey single ended Wacha's no-hit bid in the seventh inning. Wacha's pitch count had risen to a season-high 103, so he was pulled immediately after the first Kansas City hit. The righty was truly dominant as the 11 strikeouts were a career high. At the end of April, Wacha had a 6.75 ERA. Over the last three starts, Wacha has allowed just one run in 19 innings, lowering his ERA to 4.06.
May 12 2023Wacha will start Monday's game against the Royals, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was originally scheduled to face the Dodgers on Sunday, but the right-hander will be moved back to Monday with Ryan Weathers getting the ball in his absence. The Padres are committed to giving their starters extra days of rest whenever possible, and Wacha will gain added rest with his outing moved to Monday against the Royals.
May 9 2023Wacha (3-1) earned the win Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over six innings in a 6-1 victory over the Twins. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha nabbed his second consecutive quality start Tuesday, holding the Twins to just one run on three hits. Though Wacha went through a rough patch in mid-April where he allowed 15 runs over three starts (13.1 innings), the veteran righty has bounced back with just one run allowed over his last two appearances (12.0 innings). Outside of his poor three-game stretch, Wacha has been quite effective in limiting damage, but considering he has struck out three or fewer batters in four of his seven starts, his fantasy upside should remain capped.
May 2 2023Wacha allowed two hits and two walks in six scoreless innings while striking out three in a no-decision versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Wacha's second quality start in six outings this season. He threw 60 of 100 pitches for strikes and kept the Reds off the board, but Nick Martinez let a one-run lead slip away in the eighth inning. This was Wacha's third straight no-decision after he opened the year 2-1. He's struggled to a 5.46 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB over 31.1 innings in his first year with the Padres. The right-hander is lined up for road starts versus the Twins and Dodgers next week if San Diego keeps its rotation on turn.
Apr 1 2023Wacha (1-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over six innings against the Rockies. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha breezed through the first four innings before allowing a run in the fifth on a fielder's choice off the bat of Ezequiel Tovar. The right-hander then struggled in the sixth while giving up three runs in that frame, including a two-run home run by C.J. Cron. All in all, it was a solid -- if unspectacular -- outing for Wacha in his first start as a member of the Padres. He's scheduled to go again in Atlanta next weekend.
Mar 9 2023Wacha allowed two unearned runs over three innings in a Cactus League contest against Cleveland on Thursday. He yielded three hits and no walks while striking out two batters. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha signed with the Padres in mid-February and took the mound for the first time in a San Diego uniform Thursday. The veteran right-hander gave up a pair of runs in the second inning, but both were unearned because the inning began with his own error. Wacha enjoyed a bounce-back campaign with Boston last season and is expected to serve as the Padres' No. 4 starter in the upcoming campaign.
Feb 16 2023Wacha's one-year, $7.5 million contract with the Padres contains a two-year club option for 2024-25 and a three-year player option for 2024-26. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If the Padres decline their two-year, $32 million club option after the 2023 season, then Wacha has the ability to exercise a three-year, $18.5 million player option. There's also a $500,000 incentive for both 20 and 25 games started and a $1 million incentive for games started for 2023 and all player option years. All told, the deal guarantees Wacha at least $26 million and could be worth up to $41.5 million.
Oct 2 2022Wacha (11-2) took the loss Sunday in Toronto, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four in four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was hit hard Sunday, allowing a home run in each of the second, third and fourth innings. The 31-year-old did not give up three homers in any of his first 21 starts this season but was taken deep three times in each of his last two starts. He will be a free agent after the season and has played well enough to likely get a better deal than the one-year, $7 million contract he received for 2022. For the season, he went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 104:31 K:BB in 127.1 innings across 23 starts.
Sep 27 2022Wacha tossed 3.1 innings, giving up six runs on eight hits while striking out three in Tuesday's 13-9 win over the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha struggled to keep the Orioles off the bases Tuesday, surrendering eight runs and three homers, both of which were season highs. The blow up ended a five game streak of quality starts for the 31-year-old and raised his ERA from 2.70 to 3.06 on the season. He'll look to return to form in his final start of the 2022 campaign, which is tentatively set to come Sunday versus the Blue Jays.
Sep 16 2022Wacha yielded a run on seven hits over seven innings against Kansas City on Friday. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha tossed five scoreless innings before the Royals opened the game's scoring in the sixth with Salvador Perez's RBI single. The 31-year-old righty lowered his season ERA to 2.61 with a 92:26 K:BB through 20 starts. Since the start of June, Wacha is 8-0 with a 2.70 ERA across 73.1 frames. He's lined up to start in Cincinnati next week.
Sep 11 2022Wacha (11-1) earned the win against Baltimore on Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five and walking none over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha tossed 60 of 82 pitches for strikes across six frames Saturday. Cedric Mullins accounted for two of the runs against Wacha, thanks to a solo shot in the third and an RBI single in the fifth. The other earned run came on a Jorge Mateo sac fly. Wacha has been impressive in his last six games, picking up five quality starts and four wins without losing a contest. During that span he has a 2.73 ERA across 36.2 innings. His season ERA now sits at 2.69.
Sep 5 2022Wacha allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings against the Rays on Monday. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was in line for the win before Boston's bullpen gave up the game-winning run in the seventh inning. He gave up an RBI single to Harold Ramirez in the first inning followed by an RBI double from Randy Arozarena in the fifth. The 31-year-old righty has given up two or fewer runs in four of his last five starts, lowering his season ERA to an impressive 2.58 through 101 innings. Wacha is expected to start in Baltimore this weekend.
Sep 1 2022Wacha (10-1) earned the win over Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over six innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha induced a modest eight swinging strikes in the contest but still managed a healthy seven strikeouts. He allowed a two-run homer to Luis Arraez in the third inning but otherwise kept Minnesota off the scoreboard en route to his 10th win of the campaign. Wacha is posting a career-low 7.2 K/9 on the campaign, yet he is also on pace for career-best marks in ERA (2.56) and WHIP (1.02). He's been fortunate to record an unusually low BABIP, however, so it's logical to wonder if his strong numbers will continue to hold.
Aug 26 2022Wacha (9-1) yielded four runs on five hits and a walk over six innings Friday, striking out six and earning a win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha served up a homer to Yandy Diaz on the first pitch of the game before Ji-Man Choi took him deep in the second inning. The veteran righty had tossed 12.2 scoreless frames since returning from the injured list earlier this month before Friday's lackluster outing. However, he picked up his ninth win of the year and he's posted a 2.61 ERA through eight starts since his last loss May 31. Wacha will carry a 2.53 ERA into his projected start in Minnesota next week.
Aug 21 2022Wacha (8-1) earned the win against Baltimore on Saturday, allowing no runs on four hits while striking out four and walking one over 5.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was lights-out across 5.2 innings, limiting the damage to just five baserunners and not allowing any to score. He threw 52 of 79 pitches for strikes in the contest. The righty has not allowed an earned run in two games since returning from the IL. He has lowered his ERA to 2.28 in the process.
Aug 14 2022Wacha (7-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing zero runs on two hits and one walk over seven innings in a 3-0 win over the Yankees. He struck out nine. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was nothing short of electric Sunday night against the Yankees, holding New York to just three total baserunners over seven innings in his first start since being activated from the IL with a shoulder injury. Of note, he got the best of MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge, holding him hitless with two strikeouts over three at bats en route to nine total strikeouts on the night, his highest total of the season. The right hander has been great this season with a 2.44 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, which is backed up by his xERA of 2.69, but interestingly he holds a 4.30 xFIP. He likely lines up to take the Orioles in Baltimore next.
Aug 13 2022Wacha (shoulder) will be activated and start Sunday's game against the Yankees, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has been sidelined since June 28, but he may not be on a strict pitch count after working up to 79 pitches in his most recent rehab outing. For the season, Wacha has maintained a 2.69 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 50:22 K:BB across 70.1 frames.
Aug 10 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said there's a "good chance" Wacha (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list Sunday against the Yankees, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In anticipation of Wacha's return, Cora said that Rich Hill -- who started Tuesday against Atlanta -- will be available out of the bullpen for the weekend series rather than returning to the hill Sunday on his standard four days' rest. Assuming Wacha experiences no setbacks with his shoulder during an upcoming bullpen session, he looks like he'll face no restrictions in his start against the Yankees. While making the second start of his rehab assignment at Double-A Portland on Tuesday, Wacha struck out five over 4.1 innings (79 pitches) while allowing two earned runs on four hits and two walks.
Aug 9 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wacha (shoulder) is expected to cover about five innings in his rehab start Tuesday for Double-A Portland, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Five innings or 85 pitches will be the target for Wacha in what should be the final outing of his two-start minor-league rehab assignment. If his shoulder responds well coming out of Tuesday's start, Wacha should be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his return to the Boston rotation Sunday against the Yankees at Fenway Park.
Aug 7 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wacha (shoulder) will make one more rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Worcester. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was impressive during an Aug. 4 outing for the WooSox, retiring the first 13 batters and 14 of 15 over a scoreless 4.2 innings. Cora said the goal is one more rehab start before Wacha joins the club at the end of the week.
Aug 4 2022Wacha (shoulder) did not allow a hit and struck out eight across 4.2 innings with Triple-A Worcester in a rehab outing Thursday, Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha threw 63 pitches in his first rehab outing and looked quite sharp. It's unclear where he'll make his next start, but Wacha will return to Boston on Friday to get treatment and prepare to throw another bullpen session.
Jul 30 2022Wacha (shoulder) will likely go on a rehab assignment next week, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He hasn't seen game action since throwing five innings June 28, so Wacha will need at least one rehab start before rejoining the rotation. Wacha has a 3.45 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 31 strikeouts over 44.1 innings in his last eight starts. Rich Hill (knee) is expected back next week.
Jul 28 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game this weekend, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rather than sending Wacha out on a minor-league rehab assignment, the Red Sox will have him throw a simulated game for the second time this week. Before activating Wacha from the injured list, Boston will likely want him to build up to around four or five innings through simulated games or rehab starts, so he may not be a candidate to rejoin the rotation until at least the second week of August.
Jul 25 2022Wacha (shoulder) threw live batting practice Monday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha faced hitters Monday for the first time since landing on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation in early June. The right-hander is scheduled to face hitters once again Saturday before beginning a rehab assignment at some point afterward.
Jul 24 2022Wacha (shoulder) will throw a simulated game Monday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This will be Wacha's first time throwing to hitters since right shoulder inflammation shut him down earlier this month. The Red Sox will have a better indication of next steps for the right-hander following Monday's session. A rehab assignment is expected.
Jul 22 2022Wacha (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday prior to throwing a simulated game Monday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has been on the injured list since early July due to right shoulder inflammation, but he's been throwing off a mound over the last week. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander will require a rehab assignment after facing hitters Monday.
Jul 13 2022Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha landed on the 15-day injured list last week with shoulder inflammation, so his quick return to mound work is an encouraging sign. The veteran right-hander will be eligible to be reinstated shortly after the All-Star break, and it's possible he's able to do so without the need for a minor-league rehab assignment.
Jul 8 2022Wacha was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to July 5, with right shoulder inflammation. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has been unable to start this week due to a "heavy arm," and he's now been diagnosed with shoulder inflammation. It hasn't appeared to be a serious injury since until recently the Red Sox still expected the right-hander to start Friday, and he'll be eligible to be reinstated after the All-Star break. Connor Seabold was recalled in a corresponding move and will start Friday versus the Yankees.
Jul 7 2022Wacha (arm) is likely to be placed on the 15-day injured list, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was already ruled out from his scheduled start Friday, though it appears that he will be in for a lengthier absence. To this point, Wacha has only been diagnosed with a "heavy arm," so he may be able to return shortly after the All-Star break. Connor Seabold is expected to enter the rotation in Wacha's place.
Jul 6 2022Wacha (arm) could start Friday against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. "[Wednesday], he's going to get back on the mound," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said of Wacha. "If everything goes well, hopefully Friday will be the day for him." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was scratched from his previous start due to a heavy arm but might be ready to start after a few days off. He played catch at Fenway Park on Tuesday and reported the arm feels better than it did over the weekend.
Jul 5 2022Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Tuesday that Wacha (dead arm) will have his next start pushed back but is expected to avoid the 15-day injured list, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora didn't specify when exactly he expects Wacha to make his next start, but the skipper sounded optimistic that the right-hander would overcome his bout with dead arm in quick fashion. Until Wacha is able to throw a bullpen session, however, the Red Sox might not be able to offer up a clear target date for his return to the rotation.
Jul 3 2022Wacha (arm) has been scratched from Monday's scheduled start against the Rays, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Alex Cora hinted Sunday that Wacha might not make his scheduled start due to dead arm, and he'll officially be held out against Tampa Bay. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return or whether he'll require a trip to the injured list. However, Austin Davis will start a bullpen game for the Red Sox on Monday.
Jun 28 2022Wacha allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two in five innings. He did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 6-5 loss in Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha got off to a rough start, allowing three hits and two walks in Toronto's three-run first inning. He allowed three more hits in the third inning, leading to the fourth run against him. The veteran struggled with command Tuesday and needed 90 pitches to complete the five innings. His three walks tied his season-high and were a departure from the excellent control he displayed in his previous six starts, issuing just five free passes in 34.2 innings in that span.
Jun 22 2022Wacha (6-1) earned the win over Detroit on Wednesday, completing six innings and allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha got off to a rough start in the outing, serving up a two-run homer to Javier Baez in the first inning. The right-hander settled down from there, keeping the Tigers off the scoreboard for the remainder of his start. Along the way, Wacha racked up a season-high seven strikeouts. It has been a resurgent campaign for the veteran hurler, as he boasts a 2.34 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 65.1 innings. His six wins rank second on the club.
Jun 18 2022Wacha (5-1) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings in a 6-5 victory over the Cardinals. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from a solo homer by Nolan Arenado in the second inning, Wacha stifled the Cardinals' bats and got some revenge against the team that drafted him in the first round in 2012 before cutting him loose ahead of the 2020 campaign. The right-hander has a remarkable 2.28 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 41:17 K:BB through 59.1 innings despite lasting at least six innings only twice in 11 starts.
Jun 11 2022Wacha registered a no-decision during Saturday's 7-6 loss to Seattle, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was staked to a three-run lead before he took the mound but surrendered two runs apiece in each of the first two innings to fall behind early. The 30-year-old righty has now permitted more than two runs in just two of 10 starts and sports a dazzling 2.33 ERA through 54 innings, though his 6.0 K/9 is on pace for the lowest rate of his career by far. Wacha is slated to pitch again next weekend at home against St. Louis.
Jun 7 2022Wacha (4-1) earned the win over the Angels on Monday with a complete-game shutout in which he allowed three hits and one walk while striking out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was masterful in the performance, at one point retiring 15 straight batters and completing the game without allowing any runners to reach third base. The right-hander gave up only one hit after the first inning en route to his first shutout since the 2017 season. Wacha hasn't allowed an earned run over 14.2 innings across his past two starts, and he now carries a sterling 1.99 ERA on the season. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which will likely come in Seattle this weekend.
May 31 2022Wacha (3-1) was charged with the loss Tuesday after he tossed 5.2 innings, giving up an unearned run on three hits while striking three against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha got a tough-luck loss in this one, surrendering his only run with two outs in the top of the sixth when Matt Reynolds scored on a throwing error. The 30-year-old was forced out of the contest after the error and fell one out short of his second quality start of the season. Wacha has now allowed two or fewer runs in seven out of eight starts this year and Tuesday's effort lowered his season numbers to a 2.43 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 27 punchouts over 40.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to face the Angels in his next start Monday.
May 26 2022Wacha did not factor in the decision against the White Sox on Thursday, completing 4.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five batters. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was provided plenty of run support, as Boston built a six-run lead after two innings. However, Andrew Vaughn tagged the right-hander for a three-run double in the third frame, and Wacha was lifted after serving up a two-run homer to Vaughn in the fifth. The hurler ended up being charged with a season-worst five runs after giving up two or fewer runs in teach of his first six starts. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, which is scheduled to come against Cincinnati next week.
May 20 2022Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings in Friday's win over Seattle. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha escaped a jam in the first inning and kept Seattle scoreless until the fifth when Abraham Toro took him deep for a two-run shot. The 30-year-old righty made his first start since May 3 after a stint on the injured list due to intercostal irritation. He's now sporting a 1.76 ERA with a 22:14 K:BB through 30.2 innings. Wacha is projected to face the White Sox on the road next week.
May 19 2022The Red Sox confirmed that Wacha (side) has been cleared to start Friday's game against the Mariners, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boston is expected to wait until after Thursday's series opener before formally reinstating Wacha from the 15-day injured list and dropping another player from the 26-man active roster. Wacha will end up missing the minimum amount of time due to left intercostal irritation, which first cropped up prior to his scheduled start May 8. Before picking up the injury, Wacha had cruised through his first five outings of the campaign, posting a 1.38 ERA and 0.92 WHIP over 26 innings.
May 18 2022The Red Sox are expected to bring Wacha (intercostal) back from the 15-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Mariners, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha apparently checked out fine after throwing a two-inning simulated game Monday, so unless he experiences a setback in the next couple of days, he'll be ready to reclaim his spot in Boston's rotation. Prior to being placed on the IL with left intercostal irritation, Wacha went 3-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 26 innings over his first five starts.
May 16 2022Wacha (intercostal) completed a two-inning simulated game Monday, Steve Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Red Sox plan to re-evaluate Wacha on Tuesday before deciding his next steps, but based on all accounts, the right-hander looked good during his 35-pitch throwing session Monday. According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, Wacha faced utility man Christian Arroyo during the simulated game and made use of all of his pitches, even generating a few swings and misses. He'll be eligible to return from the 15-day injured list this weekend and could make a start in the Red Sox's series against Seattle if the coaching and training staffs are comfortable activating him without sending him on a rehab assignment beforehand.
May 15 2022Wacha (intercostal irritation) will throw a simulated game Monday and is expected to return late next week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This would line him up to return either Saturday or Sunday at home against the Mariners. Wacha logged a 1.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB in 26 innings through five outings earlier this season.
May 8 2022The Red Sox placed Wacha on the 15-day injured list Sunday with left intercostal irritation, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Wacha was scratched ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the White Sox after experiencing side soreness, the Red Sox indicated that an MRI didn't reveal any major injury. Wacha was thus expected to be ready to go for his next turn through the rotation, but given the right-hander's prior history of oblique problems, the club will opt to err on the side of caution by moving him to the IL. With Wacha now unavailable until at least late May, Tanner Houck is expected to serve as his primary replacement in the rotation.
May 3 2022Wacha (3-0) earned the win Tuesday after tossing 5.2 scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and walking two while registering two strikeouts against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old came within one out of registering his second consecutive quality start Tuesday, limiting the Angels to just three singles and two walks. The effort was good enough to earn him a win for a third consecutive outing. Wacha has been electric on the mound so far in his first season with the Red Sox, giving up two or less runs in all five of his starts. His season numbers now stand at a 1.38 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 26 innings.
Apr 22 2022Wacha (1-0) allowed two runs on three hits in five innings, earning the victory Friday in Tampa Bay. He walked two and struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Other than Wander Franco and his two solo home runs, Wacha handled the Tampa Bay lineup well. He threw just 50 of his 82 pitches for strikes but managed to work around his command issues and some shaky defense to earn his first win. After amassing a 5.34 ERA over the last two seasons, the 30-year-old has pitched well in all three starts this season with a 1.88 ERA and has allowed less than one baserunner per inning.
Apr 17 2022Wacha allowed a hit and two walks while striking out five in five scoreless innings in Sunday's win over the Twins. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha threw 72 pitches during his season debut Monday against Detroit, and he had a slight uptick in his workload by throwing 79 pitches during Sunday's sharp outing. However, he was forced to settle for the no-decision since the Red Sox failed to get on the board until the bottom of the sixth inning. After posting a 5.05 ERA in 29 appearances (23 starts) with the Rays last year, the 30-year-old has allowed just one run in 9.1 innings to begin his time with the Red Sox. Wacha tentatively lines up to face his former team in Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Apr 12 2022Wacha didn't factor into the decision Monday against the Tigers after tossing 4.1 innings of one-run ball, allowing two hits and three walks while fanning four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha tossed 45 of his 72 pitches for strikes, and while he wasn't
Mar 26 2022Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and struck out one over four innings in Saturday's spring training start against the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha increased his workload from three to four innings in his second Grapefruit League start, putting him in line to reach five or six by the first week of the regular season. The right-hander has permitted two runs, eight hits and one walk over seven spring innings with just two strikeouts. He's not an elite strikeout guy, but he's better than what he's showed this spring.
Nov 26 2021Wacha agreed to a one-year deal with the Red Sox on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha spent 2021 in Tampa Bay and posted a 5.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 121:31 K:BB over 124.2 innings. However, he started in 23 of 29 appearances and fared better as a traditional starter with a 4.53 ERA and .740 OPS against him. He should be a back-end rotation piece for Boston in 2022.
Oct 3 2021Wacha threw five shutout innings in a no-decision versus the Yankees on Sunday. He allowed a hit, a walk and a hit batter while striking out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander was locked in for his final start of the season. Outside of allowing six runs in six innings to Toronto on Sept. 15, Wacha was very effective both as a starter and a reliever with 10 runs allowed in his final 30 innings of the regular season. That helped to lower his season ratios to a 5.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 121:31 K:BB across 124.2 innings overall. It's still unclear if he'll work as a starter or a reliever during the ALDS.
Sep 29 2021Wacha did not factor in the decision against Houston on Tuesday despite pitching five hitless and scoreless innings. He allowed two walks while striking out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha sat at only 61 pitches through five frames, but manager Kevin Cash chose to pull him and go to the bullpen. The move ultimately failed, as Houston tallied four runs over the final four innings to pull out the victory. Despite the disappointing outcome, it was a superb effort by the right-hander, as he notched his first scoreless outing since late July. Wacha has allowed two or fewer earned runs in five of his past six outings, posting a 3.38 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 34:6 K:BB across 29.1 innings over that span. It's unclear if he'll have a rotation spot or be used out of the bullpen in the postseason.
Sep 21 2021Wacha won't start Wednesday against the Blue Jays after allowing one run on three hits with four strikeouts and zero walks in three innings of long relief during Tuesday's loss. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was penciled in as Wednesday's probable starter, but he instead covered the final three frames of Tuesday's contest for Tampa Bay. The veteran right-hander will be unavailable for the next couple days, and it's unclear if he'll make any more starts down the stretch after surrendering six runs in his previous start. Luis Patino was pushed up in the rotation to start Wednesday's series finale versus Toronto.
Sep 15 2021Wacha (3-5) took the loss Wednesday, coughing up six runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings as the Rays fell 6-3 to the Blue Jays. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a handful of solid outings, Wacha turned in a dud. The right-hander served up a three-run blast to Bo Bichette in the first inning and never really recovered, although he was able to hang on for six innings to help save the bullpen a little. Wacha will carry a 5.56 ERA and 109:28 K:BB through 111.2 innings into his next start.
Sep 10 2021Wacha allowed a run on three hits and struck out six over five innings in a no-decision versus Detroit on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He only allowed a solo home run to Eric Haase in the fifth inning before Tampa Bay's bullpen made a mess of things. Wacha was initially expected to be piggybacked Friday, but changes to Tampa Bay's pitching plans allowed the right-hander to serve as a traditional starter. He threw 47 of 68 pitches for strikes in the contest. Wacha has a 5.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 104:26 K:BB across 105.2 innings this year. He'll likely see another traditional start next week in Toronto.
Sep 8 2021Wacha will make his next start Friday against the Tigers, but Rays manager Kevin Cash said Chris Archer would likely piggyback Wacha during the game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Wacha turned in a quality start his last time out Sept. 3 against the Twins en route to claiming his first win since July 7, he's still viewed as little more than the No. 5 or 6 pitcher in the Tampa Bay rotation. Archer is held in similar regard, and Cash feels that both could generate better results while handling lighter workloads as part of a tandem. The Rays will likely wait and see how the arrangement fares Friday before determining whether to proceed with the piggyback arrangement moving forward, but the setup would seem to favor Archer more than Wacha for fantasy purposes. Even if Wacha works longer of the two pitchers Friday, Archer would be better positioned to factor into any decision.
Sep 3 2021Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs on three hits over six innings Friday, striking out seven and earning a win over Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from a pair of solo homers by Jorge Polanco and Ryan Jeffers, Wacha cruised through the Twins' lineup in Friday's win. The Rays managed to push five runs across in the first three innings, leading the 30-year-old to his first win since July 7. He's allowed just three runs through 10.1 innings (2.61 ERA) over his last two appearances after registering a 6.93 ERA in his previous 11. Wacha will carry a 5.54 ERA into his projected road start against Detroit next week.
Aug 28 2021Wacha took a no-decision Saturday against Baltimore, yielding one run on three hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He also had six strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha turned in the most effective performance of his five August starts, holding the Orioles off the board for four innings before allowing a Pedro Severino double in the fifth that eventually came around to score against the Tampa Bay bullpen. Still, Wacha hasn't registered a victory since July 7, which was also the last time he pitched more than five innings. The 30-year-old is 2-4 in 23 appearances (18 starts) this season, logging a 5.70 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 94.2 innings.
Aug 21 2021Wacha didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 7-5 extra-innings loss to the White Sox, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits over five innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The nine whiffs tied his season high. Wacha hasn't pitched more than five innings in any of his seven starts since the All-Star break, but the tight leash hasn't led to better results as he has a 7.64 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 35:8 K:BB and 2.5 HR/9 in 33 innings over that stretch.
Aug 14 2021Wacha (2-4) allowed seven runs on 11 hits and one walk with five strikeouts over five innings, taking the loss in Saturday's 12-0 defeat to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Max Kepler greeted Wacha with a solo shot to start Saturday night that set the tone for the entire outing. The right-hander allowed three more runs in the first inning, and another three Twins came in to score in a third inning that was punctuated by a Luis Arraez two-run homer. He did settle in to retire six of the seven batters he faced in the fourth and fifth innings, but the damage was already done. Wacha has now given up an astounding 30 hits and 18 earned runs in his last 14 innings pitched.
Aug 8 2021Wacha allowed five runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out two in five innings in Sunday's win over the Orioles. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha gave up at least one run in each of the first four innings Sunday, but he avoided taking the loss since the Rays put up six runs in the top of the eighth. The 30-year-old has struggled mightily in five starts since the All-Star break with a 7.04 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 23 innings during that time. Wacha tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Minnesota on Saturday.
Aug 3 2021Wacha (2-3) took the loss Monday as the Rays were routed 8-2 by the Mariners, coughing up six runs on eight hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander survived the first two innings despite some traffic on the basepaths, but the wheels came off for Wacha in a five-run third. He threw 57 of 86 pitches for strikes before getting the hook, and he hasn't lasted more than five innings in any of his four outings since the All-Star break. Wacha will take a 5.26 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 69:22 K:BB through 75.1 innings into his next appearance.
Jul 28 2021Wacha didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 3-1 extra-inning loss to the Yankees, allowing one unearned run on three hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out nine. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As is the Tampa Bay way, Wacha wasn't allowed to go too deep into the game despite his impressive performance as he got the hook after 79 pitches (54 strikes). The nine whiffs tied his season high, and he didn't serve up a homer for the first time since June 24 after getting taken deep eight times in his last four appearances. On the season, Wacha sports a 4.79 ERA and 66:19 K:BB through 71.1 innings.
Jul 21 2021Wacha allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two in five innings of Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The righty was incredibly efficient, walking nobody and requiring just 58 pitches to complete the five innings. A pair of solo home runs slightly diminished what was otherwise a solid outing for Wacha, who now has a 5.16 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 66.1 innings this season. Inconsistency has been the story of his season, although that may be attributable to his varied roles as a starter, reliever and a bulk guy following openers. Wacha figures to be in the rotation for the remainder of the season, and is expected to make his next start Wednesday against the Yankees.
Jul 17 2021Wacha allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings Friday against the Braves. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha kept Atlanta off the scoreboard for the first three innings but allowed two home runs in the third to give them a 3-0 lead. He came back out for the fifth and surrendered a leadoff single before being pulled and was charged with another run after Freddie Freeman launched a two-run homer. Wacha has been quite unpredictable this season. Over his last four outings, he's had two in which he's allowed one run or less and two in which he's allowed at least four runs. He stands at a 5.14 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 55:18 K:BB over 61.1 innings so far and is lined up to take the mound next against the Orioles next week.
Jul 7 2021Wacha (2-2) allowed one run on four hits in six innings, striking out one batter and earning the win in Wednesday's 8-1, Game 1 victory over Cleveland. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The righty put forth his second quality start of 2021 and his first since April 16, with the only blemish being a Franmil Reyes homer in the second inning. Inconsistency has marred Wacha's season, especially of late, as he's five runs in two of his last four appearances. That being said, he's mixed in enough effective outings like Wednesday's to keep his ERA at a respectable 4.87 through 57.1 innings. Injuries to Rays' starters, namely Tyler Glasnow (elbow), figure to keep Wacha in the rotation going forward, but he'll have to wait until after the All-Star break to make his next start.
Jul 6 2021Wacha will start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against Cleveland, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha's scheduled Tuesday start was postponed due to Tropical Storm Elsa. The right-hander will instead take the ball for the first of two games Wednesday, when he'll be looking to bounce back from a shaky five-run outing in his most recent appearance. The Rays have not confirmed a starter for Game 2, but Josh Fleming (calf) is expected to come off the IL to provide multiple innings in some form.
Jul 5 2021Wacha won't start Tuesday against Cleveland after the game was postponed due to Tropical Storm Elsa. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tuesday's game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Wednesday, and Wacha could start one of the games in the twin bill. The right-hander allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five in three innings against the Nationals in his last outing.
Jun 30 2021Wacha allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while tossing three relief innings during Wednesday's loss to the Nationals. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay opted to use Drew Rasmussen as an opener ahead of Wacha despite the right-hander coming off a strong start in his previous outing against Boston. Wacha entered in the bottom of the fourth trailing 6-5 and Washington didn't take long to extend its lead following his entrance. Solo homers in the fourth and fifth extended the Nationals' lead to 8-5 before Wacha yielded three more runs in the sixth. Wacha now holds a 5.26 ERA following the shaky outing, but he still figures to take the ball in some form during next week's series against Cleveland.
Jun 24 2021Wacha tossed five innings of one-hit ball, walking two with seven strikeouts in Thursday's 1-0 win over Boston. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha went head-to-head with Nick Pivetta in a terrific pitching duel, holding the Rays without a hit until Christian Vazquez singled with two out in the fifth inning. Wacha struck out Bobby Dalbec one batter later to end the inning and departed in a scoreless tie. It was a nice bounce-back effort for Wacha, who was rocked by Seattle for 11 hits and five earned runs over 3.2 innings in his previous start. Through 13 outings (11 starts) this season, Wacha is 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB in 48.1 innings.
Jun 19 2021Wacha (1-2) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Mariners after giving up five runs on 11 hits and a walk while fanning two across 3.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As expected, Wacha was unable to go deep into the game. While he tossed 77 pitches, he couldn't even complete the fourth inning. The veteran is likely to remain in the rotation due to the fact that Tyler Glasnow is out with an elbow injury, but the results just haven't been there for him of late, as he owns a 6.92 ERA over his last five appearances. Wacha is slated to make his next start at home against the Red Sox next week.
Jun 17 2021Wacha is not fully stretched out for his anticipated start Friday against the Mariners, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is set to rejoin the rotation in place of Tyler Glasnow (elbow), though he may not be able to work deep into the game. Though he has served as a starter at various points in the season, Wacha has not completed more than three innings in any of his last six outings. He did manage to throw 25-30 pitches in an extended bullpen session, but will likely remain limited Friday.
Jun 16 2021The Rays plan to have Wacha start Friday's game against the Mariners if he isn't needed out of the bullpen in Tampa Bay's next two contests, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha will be joining the rotation as a replacement for Tyler Glasnow (elbow), who is likely in line for a long-term absence after he was diagnosed Tuesday with a partial UCL tear and flexor strain. The 29-year-old had previously opened the season as a member of the Tampa Bay rotation, but Wacha had transitioned into more of a multi-inning relief role upon returning from a hamstring injury in late May. Through his 11 outings (seven starts) in his first season in Tampa Bay, Wacha has compiled a 4.54 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB in 39.2 innings.
Jun 13 2021Wacha allowed a run on two hits and a walk in two innings in a 7-1 win over Baltimore on Sunday. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old gave up an RBI single to Pat Valaika in the second inning. Wacha then turned the ball over to Josh Fleming, who pitched four scoreless innings. Working as an opener essentially nullifies Wacha's chances of getting a win, although he's also seen time as a bulk reliever. The right-hander has a 4.54 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB across 39.2 innings.
Jun 6 2021Wacha didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the Rangers after tossing 2.2 innings of one-run ball, giving up two hits and two walks while striking out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha got the start in what ended up being a bullpen game for the Rays and looked effective, but as it has been the case in most cases when he's on the mound, he wasn't asked to pitch deep into the contest. The right-hander continues to work out of the bullpen or as an opener since returning from the injured list in late May, and that role is not expected to change moving forward. He's given up one or fewer earned runs in three of his last four appearances.
Jun 5 2021Wacha will start Sunday's game against the Rangers, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha made five starts in April, but was a used as a long reliever for all of May. He'll now return to the rotation to start Sunday against Texas.
Jun 1 2021Wacha secured his second hold in a win over the Yankees on Monday, allowing an earned run on one hit over 1.2 innings. He did not issue a walk or record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander continued to perform reasonably well in his apparent new role as a multi-inning reliever, with his one hiccup the solo home run he surrendered to Miguel Andujar for the Yankees' only run of the game. All three appearances Wacha has made since returning from a stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain have come in relief, with the veteran allowing three earned runs on six hits over 6.2 innings in those outings.
May 28 2021Wacha, who notched his first hold in a win over the Royals on Thursday, has been used in a multi-inning relief role in his first two appearances since returning from the injured list. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha followed up a dominant Grapefruit League stint this spring with a so-so six-start stretch to open the season (1-1, 4.76 ERA) before going on the injured list with a hamstring strain. In his absence, both Shane McClanahan and Josh Fleming have both largely solidified their spots in the Rays' rotation, apparently leaving Wacha's best fit as an inning-eating option out of the bullpen for the time being.
May 24 2021Wacha tossed two scoreless innings Sunday against the Blue Jays, giving up one hit and fanning one. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha returned to the mound following a three-week absence and while his outing was short, he looked composed on the mound and only allowed one baserunner. He tossed 14 of his 24 pitches for strikes and should be in line for a bigger workload in his next start, scheduled for the weekend series at home against the Phillies.
May 23 2021The Rays activated Wacha (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Blue Jays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay cleared room for Wacha on the 26-man active roster by optioning right-hander Brent Honeywell to Triple-A Durham following Saturday's 3-1 win over Toronto. Since Wacha didn't head out on a minor-league rehab assignment after he was shut down three weeks ago with the hamstring injury, the Rays likely won't count on him to work deep into Sunday's start. Look for Josh Fleming to cover the bulk of the innings in long relief once Wacha exits the contest.
May 22 2021Wacha (hamstring) will be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Sunday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old faced live hitters Wednesday and will return from a three-week absence Sunday. The Rays haven't announced their full plans, but there's a chance Wacha is used in tandem with a young arm like Josh Fleming, who previously lined up to start versus Toronto.
May 21 2021Wacha (hamstring) performed well in his throwing session against live hitters Wednesday and could be activated at some point this weekend, the Associated Press reports. "It's probably fair to assume we'd like to have him back in some scenario over this upcoming Toronto series," manager Kevin Cash said. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander had been able to throw multiple bullpen sessions since going on the injured list May 5, so Wednesday's activity versus live bats represented a more aggressive step in his recovery process. Assuming he remains free of setbacks, it appears Wacha is on the verge of activation after approximately an extra week more than required on the injured list.
May 17 2021Wacha (hamstring) is expected to face hitters in live batting practice or in a simulated game at some point during the Rays' three-game series in Baltimore that begins Tuesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is ready to move on to the next phase of his rehab program after he checked out fine Sunday during an extended bullpen session. The 29-year-old opened the season as a member of the Tampa Bay rotation, but due to the emergence of young starters Luis Patino and Shane McClanahan, Wacha may have to settle for a long-relief role upon returning from the 10-day injured list.
May 15 2021Wacha (hamstring), who threw a pair of bullpen sessions earlier in the week, is slated for an "extended" one Sunday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has apparently responded well to the recent activity, clearing the path for a projected boost in volume Sunday. If Wacha remains free of setbacks following the latest session, he's likely to next face live hitters or potentially embark on a short rehab assignment before activation.
May 13 2021Wacha (hamstring) is slated to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha will be stepping back on a mound for the second time since he was placed on the injured list May 4 with hamstring tightness. If all goes well Thursday, Wacha could be cleared to face hitters over the weekend in live batting practice or in a simulated game.
May 9 2021Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wacha (hamstring) will throw a light bullpen session Tuesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The side session will represent the first test for Wacha as he aims to move past the hamstring injury that resulted in his placement on the 10-day injured list May 4. Before getting shut down with the injury, Wacha worked in a tandem start with Rich Hill, so it's unclear if he'll have a rotation spot waiting for him once he's reinstated. Wacha will likely need to face hitters in a simulated game or minor-league rehab assignment before being activated, so the Rays probably still have a week or longer to decide what kind of role he'll fill moving forward.
May 4 2021Wacha was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with hamstring tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old was rocked for four runs over 2.2 innings Sunday, and the hamstring issue apparently cropped up while doing some running Monday, per Topkin. Wacha isn't expected to face a significant absence and could return when eligible May 13. Rich Hill could be asked to pitch deeper for the Rays with Wacha sidelined.
May 2 2021Wacha yielded four runs on five hits over 2.2 innings while striking out three during the win over Houston. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha took the mound in the fourth inning after Rich Hill tossed three scoreless frames to start the afternoon and quickly gave up a solo shot to Yordan Alvarez. He then allowed two runs in the fifth before he was charged with another run in the sixth after he was lifted from the game. The 29-year-old righty saw his season ERA jump to 4.76 through 28.1 innings.
Apr 27 2021Wacha didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the A's, giving up one run on five hits over five innings. He struck out two without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was far from dominant but did pound the strike zone, tossing 52 of 69 pitches for strikes while issuing zero free passes for the first time in five trips to the mound. Wacha will take a 3.86 ERA and 23:8 K:BB through 25.2 innings into his next outing Sunday at home against the Astros.
Apr 22 2021Wacha allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out a batter over 5.2 innings and was not involved in the decision during Wednesday's 9-8 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All three runs Wacha let in came via the long ball. Hunter Dozier took him deep to left in the second for a two-run blast and then Jorge Soler led off the fourth by absolutely crushing a fastball down the middle. The 29-year-old Wacha induced just one whiff on 36 swings, as it was his first time managing just one strikeout in a start since Sept. 20, 2019. He'll carry a 4.35 ERA into his next scheduled start against the Athletics on Tuesday.
Apr 16 2021Wacha (1-1) allowed one hit and two walks while striking out nine in six scoreless innings to earn the win against the Yankees on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha didn't allow a runner to get past first base in the first six innings Friday, and his nine strikeouts matched the highest total of his career. The right-hander got plenty of late run support from Tampa Bay's offense to cruise to his first win of the year. He's now posted a 4.20 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 15 innings across three appearances (two starts) to begin the season. Wacha lines up to make his next start on the road against Kansas City on Wednesday.
Apr 12 2021Wacha entered Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Yankees in the third inning and allowed three earned runs on three hits and three walks over four frames. He struck out five and did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha allowed the Yankees to begin their comeback by serving up a two-run home run to Gio Urshela shortly after entering in the third inning, and as evidenced by his final line, he struggled with control overall. The right-hander's first two regular-season appearances have bore zero resemblance to his excellent spring, as Wacha career-long issues with location have surfaced in the form of five walks over his first nine innings, during which he's also already surrendered 11 hits. He'll look to bounce back in what will likely be a conventional start his next turn through the rotation, potentially Friday night on the road against the Yankees.
Apr 11 2021Wacha is expected to serve as a bulk reliever behind opener Brent Honeywell in Sunday's game against the Yankees, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though Honeywell was once one of the top starting pitching prospects in all of baseball, Berry notes that the Rays are likely planning on the right-hander covering just an inning or two before giving way to Wacha. As a result of pitching behind an opener, Wacha may struggle to reach the five innings he covered in his Rays debut April 5 against Boston, but the arrangement should improve the 29-year-old's chances of factoring into any decision.
Apr 5 2021Wacha (0-1) took the loss Monday as the Rays were routed 11-2 by the Red Sox, giving up five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The whiffs were nice but otherwise it was a rough Rays debut for Wacha, who tossed 65 of 90 pitches for strikes. Tampa has plenty of rotation alternatives in the organization, so the right-hander may need to turn things around quickly to keep his spot, but his track record (4.53 ERA and 1.43 WHIP since 2016) isn't encouraging. Wacha faces a tough test in his next scheduled start Sunday at home against the Yankees.
Mar 26 2021Wacha allowed an earned run on four hits, a walk and a hit batsman across five innings in a Grapefruit League loss to Atlanta on Thursday. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander continued his spring dominance while facing an Atlanta lineup that had plenty of regulars. Wacha now has a minuscule 0.75 ERA across 12 innings, and he'll take the mound once more in Grapefruit League play against the Tigers on Tuesday before opening the regular season as the No. 3 starter.
Mar 21 2021Wacha fired four scoreless innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Twins on Saturday, allowing just one hit and no walks while recording three strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha worked up to 53 pitches, with Adam Berry of MLB.com reporting the veteran right-hander's fastball got as high as 94.9 mph according to Statcast. Wacha featured a four-pitch mix overall that also included an effective cutter and a changeup that he got four swings and misses on, three of those third strikes.
Mar 14 2021Wacha was impressive while logging three innings and facing one batter to simulate the start of a fourth frame in an intrasquad game Saturday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. "He creates a lot of depth on the cutter and the changeup," manager Kevin Cash said. "Asking [pitching coach Kyle Snyder] at different times, 'Which one was that?' I guess it doesn't matter if it's going underneath the barrel." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha's primary three-pitch arsenal of a fastball, cutter and changeup has worked extremely well for him thus far this spring ahead of what both the Rays and the veteran right-hander hope will be a resurgent season. Prior to Saturday's outing, Wacha had logged three scoreless frames across his first two Grapefruit League outings against the Red Sox and Twins.
Mar 8 2021Wacha fired two scoreless innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Twins on Sunday, allowing one hit and no walks while recording a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Adam Berry of MLB.com reports Wacha threw 15 of 21 pitches for strikes and averaged an impressive 94.4 mph on his fastball, an uptick from the 93.6 mph figure he logged with the Cardinals in 2020. Manager Kevin Cash noted after the game that pitching coach Kyle Snyder is particularly enthused with Wacha's cutter, which the veteran right-hander got two called strikes and three outs with on the seven occasions he used it against Minnesota.
Mar 3 2021Wacha, who fired a scoreless first inning during his Grapefruit League debut against the Red Sox on Tuesday, continued his effective 2020 practice of relying on his changeup during the outing, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. "It's been my best swing-and-miss pitch, so I figured I'd throw it more and see if I can get a little bit more weaker contact with it and try to pitch off my best pitch a little more," Wacha said. "I think that's a big part of it, to pitch toward your strengths and understanding what your strengths are." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite a forgettable 1-4 record, 6.62 ERA and 1.56 WHP across 34 innings over eight appearances (seven starts) for the Mets last season, Wacha did have success with his changeup, generating an impressive 40.8 percent whiff rate while throwing the pitch a career-high 29.2 percent of the time. He deployed it at key moments with success again Monday while overcoming a leadoff walk to Enrique Hernandez, striking out J.D. Martinez before getting Rafael Devers on an inning-ending groundout. Wacha threw 21 pitches overall during his one frame, and he projects to take the next step toward prepping for his projected mid-rotation role in the coming season with a potential start against the Twins on Sunday.
Dec 18 2020Wacha signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Rays' reputation is such that it's generally safe to assume that if they want a player, he's probably better than he seems. In Wacha's case, his 6.62 ERA in 34 innings for the Mets last season came with a solid set of peripherals, as he struck out 23.7 percent of opposing batters while walking a career-low 4.5 percent. He did also see his groundball rate plummet from 48.0 percent in 2019 to 35.5 percent in 2020, however. Still, there's enough there to suggest that he should have a decent chance to carve out a successful season as a back-end starter or in whatever creative role the innovative Rays elect to deploy him.
Sep 23 2020Wacha (1-4) allowed four runs on six hits and struck out four in six innings in a loss to the Rays on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Homers by Joey Wendle and Randy Arozarena accounted for three of the four runs against Wacha, who was not particularly sharp Wednesday. Wacha has taken losses in his last four decisions. The 29-year-old righty has likely made his last appearance of the season -- if so, he finishes with an unsightly 6.62 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 34 innings and eight appearances.
Sep 22 2020Wacha will start Wednesday against the Rays, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha made his previous appearance out of the bullpen, but he's a starter by trade and will return to that role Wednesday, pushing Steven Matz into a bullpen role. He hasn't had a particularly good time in his first and potentially only season as a Met, posting a 6.75 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 28 innings of work.
Sep 17 2020Wacha allowed one run on five hits with three strikeouts and zero walks over four innings out of the bullpen Wednesday against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old figured to be in the mix to start this weekend against the Braves, but he worked in long relief Wednesday with Jacob deGrom (hamstring) pitching only two innings. It was Wacha's best outing of the season since he gave up one run across five frames during his season debut.
Sep 13 2020Wacha is available out of the bullpen Sunday against the Blue Jays, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old lined up to start Tuesday at Philadelphia, but New York will instead push up the rest of the rotation thanks to Monday's scheduled off day. Wacha could return to the rotation when the Mets need a fifth starter next weekend against the Braves.
Sep 8 2020Wacha (1-3) allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and no walks while striking out three across four innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha served up two long balls to account for three of his four earned runs. However, he was regularly in trouble and showed little deceptiveness, racking up only six swinging strikes on 71 total pitches. Wacha has struggled mightily this season and now has a 7.50 ERA across 24 innings. He'll look to get on track in his next outing, currently projected to come Tuesday at Philadelphia.
Sep 6 2020Wacha is scheduled to start Tuesday against Baltimore, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Robert Gsellman was originally projected to start Tuesday's contest, but he's shifted from a starting role back to the bullpen. Wacha will pitch on six days rest after working three innings in his last start, which came at Baltimore. Overall, Wacha has an ugly 7.20 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP across 20 frames this season.
Sep 2 2020Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and one walk over three innings Wednesday in Baltimore. He had two strikeouts and didn't factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander wasn't espcially sharp in his second start back off the injured list, needing 69 pitches to record only nine outs. Wacha has a 7.20 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB over 20 innings and lines up to pitch against the Phillies on Monday.
Aug 28 2020Wacha allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven over three innings in Friday's Game 1 win against the Yankees. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha had been on the injured list since Aug. 9, but he returned to the mound after recovering from shoulder inflammation. He didn't last very long in the first game of Friday's twin bill as his ERA continues to creep up. The right-hander has now made four starts this season and carries a 7.41 ERA and 25:6 K:BB over 17 innings. He should take the mound again on the road Wednesday against the Orioles.
Aug 27 2020Wacha will start the Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader against the Yankees after his Thursday start against the Marlins was postponed, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was set to start Thursday's tilt against Miami, but with the game being postponed, the right-hander will take the ball in the first half of Friday's twin bill. Wacha has a 6.43 ERA across 14 innings pitched this season.
Aug 26 2020Wacha (shoulder) threw another bullpen session Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha, who has been sidelined since Aug. 9 with shoulder inflammation, has now thrown two bullpens in three days. With the Mets set to play a pair of doubleheaders this weekend, the hope is that Wacha will be ready to rejoin the rotation in the coming days.
Aug 24 2020The Mets are hopeful that Wacha (shoulder) can return to the rotation this week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The team will be in for a very condensed schedule starting with a doubleheader Tuesday against the Marlins, so they need all hands on deck to make nine starts in the span of six days this week. Wacha, who has been on the shelf with shoulder inflammation, has completed simulated games and bullpen sessions in recent days.
Aug 20 2020Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha has been sidelined since Aug. 9 with shoulder inflammation but appears close to returning. He threw a four-inning simulated game earlier in the week, and if everything goes well during Fridays' bullpen, it sounds like he could potentially slot back into New York's rotation as early as Sunday.
Aug 19 2020Wacha (shoulder) threw a four-inning simulated game Wednesday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha fired around 59 pitches and said he felt very well afterwards. While this is an encouraging development for the right-hander, it remains to be seen when he will slot back into New York's rotation. Prior to landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, Wacha struggled to a 6.43 ERA across three starts (14 innings).
Aug 16 2020Wacha (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday and will take part in a simulated game within the next week, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha struggled to a 6.43 ERA in three starts this season before landing on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. He was never shut down from throwing for more than a couple days, so his absence doesn't appear set to be a particularly long one, though his exact return date remains unclear.
Aug 12 2020Wacha (shoulder) threw from 75 feet Tuesday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha landed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation, but he was able to resume throwing just two days later. He reportedly felt good following the throwing session. A timeline for his return hasn't been established, but his progress has been encouraging so far.
Aug 9 2020Wacha was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury presumably flared up during Friday's start against the Marlins, when the 29-year-old allowed four runs on six hits with nine strikeouts and two walks over five innings. Wacha doesn't have a timetable for his return, but he's likely to miss at least his next two starts.
Aug 8 2020Wacha (1-2) took the loss Friday as the Mets fell 4-3 to the Marlins, giving up four runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out nine. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All the runs scored in the second inning, with the big blow being a three-run homer by Francisco Cervelli, but otherwise Wacha was fairly sharp. The right-hander threw 64 of 98 pitches for strikes before exiting, and while his 6.43 ERA and 1.64 WHIP aren't pretty, Wacha's 18:5 K:BB through 14 innings suggests better days are ahead. He's next scheduled to take the mound Wednesday, at home against the Nationals.
Aug 1 2020Wacha (1-1) took the loss Saturday as the Mets fell 7-1 to Atlanta, surrendering five runs on seven hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The K's salvaged a bit of positive fantasy value for the right-hander, but Wacha simply didn't have his best stuff in this one -- he served up a two-run homer to former Cards teammate Marcell Ozuna in the first inning and never recovered. Wacha will look to rebound in his next start, which is currently scheduled for Friday against the Marlins.
Jul 27 2020Wacha (1-0) allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four in five innings in a win over the Red Sox on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The lone blemish on Wacha's line came on a fourth-inning Mitch Moreland homer. Wacha is looking to bounce back from a poor 2019, when he went 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and a career-worst 26 homers allowed in 29 appearances (24 starts). The 29-year-old right-hander is expected to make his next start Saturday in Atlanta.
Mar 24 2020Wacha has a clear path to a rotation spot after Noah Syndergaard was diagnosed with a torn UCL on Tuesday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Syndergaard will undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the entirety of the 2020 season. Wacha had looked like potentially the odd man out in a battle with Rick Porcello and Steven Matz for the Mets' final two rotation spots, but all three should now be expected to win jobs.
Mar 2 2020Wacha is already showing his typical midseason velocity, sitting 92-94 mph with his fastball Sunday and touching 95, Ken Davidoff of The New York Post reports. "I think in the spring, usually it's a tick lower than when I'm in the regular season," the 28-year-old said after the game. "In the regular season, I'm usually from [ninety]-two to -four, touch -five a little, -six every now and then. Right now, I just know it's coming out nice and feeling good." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has made 30 starts only twice in the last five seasons, and his erratic track record forced him to sign an incentive-laden one-year deal with the Mets this winter. Wacha worked to correct some mechanical issues during the offseason in addition to improving his overall fitness, however, and the results have been positive so far. "Just trying to stay through the ball a little more," he said. "I had gotten a rough patch in my mechanics where I was pulling off on my left side. Probably showing the ball a little bit early. Not really fluid mechanics from what I was used to. Just watched quite a bit of video this offseason to get back to where I needed to be. Definitely made the right changes." Wacha is in a spring battle with Steven Matz and Rick Porcello for the final two spots in the Mets rotation.
Dec 11 2019Wacha agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Mets on Wednesday, Buster Olney of ESPN reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha suffered a right shoulder strain in September that caused him to miss the Cardinals' postseason games, but he will likely perform as a back-end starter in the Mets' bullpen, pending a physical. The 28-year-old posted a 4.76 ERA with a career-worst 1.56 WHIP over 126.2 innings last season, but he has shown to be an effective starter in prior seasons.
Oct 16 2019Wacha (shoulder) tossed a two-inning, 40-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Washington, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha ultimately wasn't activated before the end of the season after the Cardinals' playoff run concluded Tuesday, when the Nationals finished off a four-game sweep in the NLCS. That said, the right-hander's ability to face hitters suggests he'll be in store for a fairly normal offseason. An unrestricted free agent this winter, Wacha should be able to find work as a back-end starter, though it's unclear how much interest the Cardinals might have in retaining him.
Oct 11 2019Wacha (shoulder) is not on the Cardinals' ALCS roster. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: St. Louis will use an unchanged roster from the one that beat the Braves in the NLDS. Wacha has been throwing recently as he works his way back from a shoulder strain, but he's evidently still not ready to go.
Oct 10 2019Wacha (shoulder) likely won't be on the roster for the National League Championship Series against the Nationals, Jeff Jones of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha threw a bullpen session Wednesday, but manager Mike Shildt indicated Thursday that the team will likely keep the same roster for the NLCS as it used in the NLDS. The right-hander could return if the Cardinals advance to the World Series if he feels healthy enough. Wacha suffered a mild right shoulder sprain Sept. 25.
Oct 9 2019Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha won't be ready to pitch in relief Wednesday in a win-or-go-home game against the Braves, but he looks like he'll be ready to contribute if the Cardinals advance to the NLCS. The right-hander has been idle since suffering a mild right shoulder strain in his last start of the regular season back on Sept. 25.
Sep 29 2019Wacha (shoulder) was feeling less soreness in his shoulder Saturday but still isn't slated to throw for several more days, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha is getting plenty of down time over the next several days while performing some light workouts and receiving treatment. The right-hander reported feeling less tightness and soreness overall as compared to Wednesday, when he first began feeling discomfort before his start against the Diamondbacks. Wacha's potential availability for the postseason won't gain any appreciable degree of clarity until he begins throwing again later in the coming week.
Sep 27 2019Wacha was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain and won't be throwing for at least a few more days, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha had the diagnosis confirmed by an MRI on Thursday and while he appears to have avoided a serious injury, he's unlikely to be available for the National League Division Series should the Cardinals qualify. The 28-year-old was pitching well prior to the injury with a 2.89 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in his last nine outings.
Sep 25 2019Wacha will undergo an MRI on his right shoulder Thursday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was lifted from Wednesday's start after 1.2 innings with what the Cardinals are calling a mild shoulder strain, per Goold. The MRI will help determine the specifics of the injury while the 28-year-old's postseason availability hangs in the balance.
Sep 20 2019Wacha allowed one run on five hits with two walks and one strikeout across four innings during a no-decision against the Cubs on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 28-year-old pitched well, but he didn't receive the run support or pitch the required five innings to earn the win. The Cardinals scored two runs in the sixth, though, to get Wacha off the hook for the loss. Wacha has now allowed just one run in his last nine innings. He is 6-7 with a 4.68 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 125 innings this season. Wacha will make his last start of the regular season Wednesday at the Diamondbacks.
Sep 15 2019Wacha gave up five hits and no walks while striking out one through five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Brewers on Sunday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha delivered in his five innings, only allowing five baserunners and leaving the game in line for the win. Wacha continues to be limited in his outings, as he only has one outing with more than five innings in his previous eight starts. The 28-year-old has a 4.76 ERA and 100 strikeouts through 22 starts this season. Wacha is scheduled to make his next start Friday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Sep 11 2019Wacha (6-7) took the loss against the Rockies on Tuesday, allowing two earned runs on five hits and a walk over four innings while also recording three strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was deployed as a conventional starter after working as a bullpen-day opener last Wednesday, and he did a reasonably good job keeping the Rockies at bay in the fertile hitting conditions of Coors Field. However, his one mistake, a mammoth 482-foot two-run home run off the bat of Nolan Arenado, proved to be all Colorado would need with the Cardinals ultimately limited to just one run in the contest. Wacha has settled in to an extent since mid-August, allowing no more than three earned runs in any of his last five outings. However, keeping the ball in the park has continued to be an issue, with Wacha surrendering five home runs over his last four trips to the mound and yielding a career-high 26 round trippers overall across 116 innings this season.
Sep 7 2019Wacha will be deployed as a traditional starter for the opener of a three-game series versus the Rockies on Tuesday, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was utilized as a bullpen-day opener in his last turn, firing two scoreless innings against the Giants last Wednesday while pitching on short rest. However, he'll be back to serving as a conventional starter moving forward and will take the hill against Colorado with the benefit of a full five days off. Wacha has been slightly better as a starter than reliever in what's been a rough season, generating a 4.89 ERA across 99.1 innings, compared to a 5.68 figure over 12.2 frames out of the bullpen.
Sep 5 2019Wacha was the opening pitcher in a loss to the Giants on Wednesday, firing two scoreless innings in which he allowed two hits and a walk while recording two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wacha was limited to just 38 pitches while pitching on three days rest, but he was effective in his pair of frames. The right-hander also generated a quality start against the Reds in his previous outing, and he's likely due to for another turn as a conventional starter in his next trip to the mound.
Sep 2 2019Wacha will start Wednesday against the Giants, Jim Hayes of FOX Sports Midwest reports.
Aug 31 2019Wacha allowed two runs on three hits and two walks over seven innings during Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds. He struck out seven but did not factor
Aug 25 2019Wacha allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings Sunday, striking out seven in the win over Colorado. He did not factor in the decision.
Aug 21 2019Wacha didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 9-4 win over the Brewers, giving up three hits and a walk over four scoreless innings while striking out five.
Aug 15 2019Wacha (6-6) took the loss against the Reds on Thursday, giving up two earned runs on five hits over five innings, striking out three and walking two in a 2-1 loss
Aug 13 2019Wacha will start Thursday's series opener at Cincinnati, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Aug 11 2019Wacha will "likely" make a start in this week's series against the Reds, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Aug 7 2019Wacha will be skipped in his next turn through the rotation as Miles Mikolas will start Sunday against the Pirates, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Aug 5 2019Wacha (6-5) yielded six runs on seven hits and two walks over 3.2 innings Monday, striking out three batters and taking a loss to the Dodgers.
Jul 31 2019Wacha will start next Monday's game against the Dodgers with Daniel Ponce de Leon having been optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Jul 29 2019General manager John Mozeliak said Monday that Wacha will rejoin the rotation the next time the Cardinals require a fifth starter, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Jul 28 2019Wacha allowed an earned run on six hits while recording five strikeouts across 4.2 innings in a loss to the Astros on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision.
Jul 23 2019Wacha allowed an earned run on three hits and a walk over three innings in an extra-inning win over the Pirates on Monday. He recorded a strikeout and didn't factor into the decision.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 14 2019Wacha appears to have moved back to the bullpen coming out of the All-Star break, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 4 2019Wacha didn't factor into the decision against the Mariners on Thursday, giving up four earned runs on six hits over 3.1 innings in the Cardinals' 5-4 victory. He walked two and didn't record a strikeout.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2019Wacha (5-4) held the Padres to two runs over seven innings Friday but was charged with the loss after allowing six hits and a walk while striking out two.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Wacha (5-3) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out four in a 5-1 victory over the Angels.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 18 2019Wacha has been confirmed as the starter for Friday's game against the Angels, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 15 2019Wacha (4-3) took the loss Saturday against the Mets after giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits over four innings. He struck out four and walked one.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 10 2019Wacha will start Monday in Miami as expected, FOX Sports Midwest<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 10 2019Wacha (4-2) coughed up five hits and two walks across six scoreless frames Monday, striking out four and earning the win over Miami.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 7 2019Manager Mike Shildt said Wacha is \"in heavy pencil\" to start Monday's game at Miami, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 6 2019Updating a previous report, Wacha is a candidate to start Monday against the Marlins, Anne Rogers of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 5 2019Wacha is a candidate to start Sunday against the Cubs, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 5 2019Wacha fired 2.1 scoreless innings in a loss to the Reds on Tuesday, allowing two hits and recording three strikeouts.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 24 2019Wacha will come out of the bullpen for the \"foreseeable future,\" Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 22 2019Wacha (3-2) allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out four across 4.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Royals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 22 2019Wacha will start the first game<\/a> of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Royals.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Wacha will not start Tuesday against the Royals as the game has been postponed due to rain, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Wacha (3-1) took the loss Wednesday, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks over five innings while striking out four in a 4-0 loss to Atlanta.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 9 2019Wacha (3-0) gave up four runs on nine hits, walking one batter and striking out a pair in 5.2 innings to earn the win versus Pittsburgh on Thursday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 14 2018Wacha (oblique) underwent another ultrasound this week to gauge his progress, but he has still not received clearance to begin a throwing program, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Wacha sustained his injury June 20 and has been making steady but deliberate progress. General manager John Mozeliak says the team remains "encouraged" about Wacha's healing, yet he's still some time away from returning. The team estimates that Wacha will require a multi-week minor-league rehab stint to build his stamina and arm back up, so he's not expected to return to the rotation until mid-August at the earliest.
Jun 25 2018Wacha (oblique) will be out until after the All-Star break, Frank Cusumano of KSDK reports.There was an outside shot that Wacha could return to action prior to the All-Star break, but this report indicates that will not be the case. A firm date for Wacha's return remains uncertain, but his timeline will be updated as he crosses hurdles in the recovery process.
Jun 21 2018Wacha (oblique) is expected to be out multiple weeks after an MRI revealed a "moderate" strain, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.The Cardinals sent Wacha for an MRI after placing him on the disabled list earlier Thursday. The multi-week timetable puts Wacha's status up to the All-Star break in question, meaning that the Cardinals' thinned-out rotation is taking another significant blow. John Gant was recalled Thursday and could start in Wacha's place Monday, but it's unlikely that he'll be the primary solution during Wacha's absence.
Jun 21 2018Wacha (oblique) was put on the 10-day disabled list Thursday.Wacha was diagnosed with a strained left oblique following his removal from Wednesday's game and predictably landed on the disabled list as John Gant was recalled from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move. During the outing, Wacha lasted just 3.2 innings and was sent in for an MRI on Thursday, though we haven't received any word on those results at this time.
Jun 20 2018Wacha's premature exit in Wednesday's game against the Phillies was due to a left oblique strain, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.Wacha's velocity had dropped significantly in his final inning, likely as a result of his injury. The extent of the issue has not yet been determined.
Jun 20 2018Wacha left with a team trainer in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.The nature of his injury is not yet clear. Prior to leaving the game, the righty had allowed three runs on six hits in 3.2 innings.
Jun 20 2018Wacha (strained left oblique) will get an MRI on Thursday but appears to be headed for a disabled list stint, Mark Saxon of The Athletic St. Louis reports.The strain was severe enough that breathing caused him pain after he came out of Wednesday's game against the Phillies. He gave up three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings before leaving with the injury. Manager Mike Matheny said Wacha suffered the injury on the last pitch of this outing, FOX Sports Midwest reports. Saxon alluded to the fact that this injury may have cost Wacha a trip to the All-Star game. The righty has a 3.20 ERA, 71 strikeouts and eight wins in 84.1 innings through 15 starts. Austin Gomber, who is currently in the big-league bullpen, and John Gant, who is in the Triple-A rotation, appear to be the best options currently on the 40-man roster to take Wacha's rotation spot. If the Cardinals want to go with someone not currently on the 40-man, Dakota Hudson would be a fine option.
Jun 16 2018Wacha (8-2) allowed nine runs (eight earned) on seven hits in a loss to the Cubs on Friday, walking four and striking out two in four innings.Wacha gave up three home runs on the night, starting with a solo home run by Ian Happ, a two-run shot by Kris Bryant and a three-run homer by Kyle Schwarber. Wacha had allowed only five home runs prior to Friday's start, and he hadn't allowed more than four runs in any start before the outing. Despite the rough night, the right-hander still holds a respectable 3.24 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while holding opponents to a .213 batting average. He'll look to get back on track in his next start on the road against the Phillies.
Jun 10 2018Wacha (8-1) allowed two earned runs on four hits and three walks over 5.2 innings in a win over the Reds on Saturday. He struck out six.Wacha got some immediate run support from Jose Martinez and Marcell Ozuna, who both blasted first-inning homers off Luis Castillo. The right-hander went on to have a good-not-great outing, struggling at times with his control on his way to 96 pitches. The two runs Wacha surrendered came on a fourth-inning Eugenio Suarez blast, the first round tripper he'd surrendered in three starts. Despite the occasional hiccup, Wacha did more than enough to roll to an eighth straight win, a streak he'll look to extend against the Cubs next Friday.
Jun 3 2018Wacha (7-1) allowed one hit while walking two and striking out eight across eight scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday against the Pirates.Wacha was immediately handed a 4-0 lead after a first inning grand slam by Marcell Ozuna and he took advantage, holding the Pirates hitless for eight innings. Prior to allowing a single to Colin Moran to lead off the ninth inning, Wacha had put only two runners on base, both of which came on walks in the fifth inning. He relied heavily on groundballs -- 12 of the 16 balls he allowed in play remained on the ground -- and worked effectively in the strike zone with 74 of his 111 pitches going for strikes. After a few shaky efforts early in the season, Wacha has now recorded a quality start in each of his past five outings, bringing his ERA down to 2.41 through 12 starts.
May 29 2018Wacha (6-1) tossed six one-run innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Brewers, allowing two hits with four walks and three strikeouts.Though he struggled to throw strikes at times, Wacha kept the ball down effectively and induced 10 groundouts on the night. He took a shutout into the seventh inning, but he put two men on before his removal and watched as the bullpen allowed one of them to cross. This strong start continued an outstanding run for Wacha, who's now allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight straight starts to lower his ERA to 2.71. He'll look to continue his recent success this weekend against the Pirates.
May 23 2018Wacha allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out six over 6.2 innings in Wednesday's extra-inning loss to the Royals. He did not factor into the decision.Wacha yielded a solo home run to Salvador Perez in the second inning, but he only allowed three other baserunners -- all via singles -- on the day. After opening up the season with a 5.52 ERA in three starts, the 26-year-old has strung together seven consecutive starts allowing two or fewer runs to lower his ERA to an impressive 2.88. He'll draw the Brewers in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
May 18 2018Wacha (5-1) got the win over the Phillies on Friday, giving up two earned runs on five hits over six innings, striking out eight and walking two as the Cardinals trounced Philadelphia 12-4.Wacha was the beneficiary of some great run support in this one but he got a deserved fifth victory of the season with a solid outing that lowered his ERA to 3.08 through 49.2 innings. He's been pitching well all season, in part due to his solid job at limiting the long balls, as he's served up just three homers over his first nine starts. That, along with his 44:21 K:BB, is a good recipe for success and Wacha will look to keep up the positive momentum going in his next start against the Royals next Wednesday.
May 12 2018Wacha allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five over six innings in a no-decision against the Padres on Saturday.The right-hander took advantage of a strong matchup, but Tyson Ross was just as good on the other side and that kept Wacha out of the win column. Wacha has not allowed more than three earned runs in a start since his first outing of the year, giving up just one homer over 39 innings spanning his last seven starts. He gets the Phillies at home next week.
May 7 2018Wacha did not factor into the decision in an extra-innings win over the Cubs on Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out five.Wacha had worked up to 96 pitches by the time he got the hook, with only 59 of those finding the strike zone. The right-hander's ERA remains a solid 3.35 thanks in part to a career-best 78.4 percent strand rate, but he's tempting fate with a career-worst 4.3 BB/9. Wacha has issued multiple free passes in five of seven starts thus far, yet his record remains an impressive 4-1 after logging no-decisions in two consecutive starts. He'll look to get back into the win column against the Padres next Friday night.
May 2 2018Wacha allowed two runs on five hits through five innings Tuesday, striking out three and walking three in a no-decision against the White Sox.The only runs Wacha allowed came from a two-run double by Yoan Moncada in the fourth inning, but White Sox starter James Shields outdueled the young righty. Wacha was eventually bailed out from the loss by a ninth-inning comeback from the Cardinals. The 26-year-old now has a 3.62 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, and is holding opponents to a .246 batting average. The Cardinals are currently operating on a four-man rotation, but with a day off Thursday, Wacha should be in line to face the Cubs at home for his next start Sunday.
Apr 25 2018Wacha (4-1) allowed one run on five hits and a walk with eight strikeouts over six innings to pick up the win Wednesday against the Mets.Wacha picked up his first win with his best start of the season against one of the National League's better lineups. His eight strikeouts, earned with 17 swinging strikes, mark a season best. Wacha's fastball was dancing Wednesday night, as he located it for a strike 75 percent of the time but still drew eight whiffs with it on 43 offerings -- an 18.6 percent rate typically reserved for breaking pitches. After a slow start with uncharacteristically poor control, Wacha is enjoying a 3.62 ERA and has walked just two batters in his past two starts.
Apr 21 2018Wacha (3-1) pitched 6.2 strong innings in Friday's win over the Reds, allowing one run on six hits with three strikeouts and one walk.Wacha had a solid outing Friday, earning his first quality start of the season. All six hits allowed were singles and the only run scored came via sacrifice fly. Through four starts, Wacha has a 4.22 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, along with 15 strikeouts and 11 walks in 21.1 innings. Next week will be a home start against the Mets.
Apr 16 2018Contrary to a previous report, Wacha will start Friday against the Reds, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.The Cardinals were originally planning to push Wacha's start back by a day (to Wednesday) following Monday's postponement, but the team decided to push him back to Friday in order to keep Luke Weaver on normal rest for Wednesday's game. Wacha now projects to face Brandon Finnegan in a home game.
Apr 16 2018Wacha will now start Wednesday instead of Tuesday after a postponement caused the Cardinals to shift all their starters back one game, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.Monday's game was postponed due to inclement weather, so scheduled starter Adam Wainwright will pitch Tuesday instead, bumping Wacha back to Wednesday. The 26-year-old righty has had a rough time in his first three starts, posting a 5.52 ERA and a 12:10 K:BB in 14.2 innings.
Apr 12 2018Wacha (2-1) allowed three earned runs on five hits while walking three and striking out five across five innings to earn the win against the Reds on Thursday.Despite a pedestrian line, Wacha flashed positive skill in his Thursday start, inducing 11 swinging strikes and keeping six of the 10 balls put in play on the ground. His control remains a concern as he has now surrendered 10 free passes in 14.2 innings pitched. Given the weakened Cincinnati lineup -- they were without Joey Votto as well as Eugenio Suarez and Scott Schebler -- it would have been nice to see more out of Wacha's final line, but this outing still has to be considered positive overall.
Apr 7 2018Wacha (1-1) picked up the win over the Diamondbacks on Saturday, giving up two runs on four hits and five walks over five innings while striking out five.The right-hander allowed baserunners in every inning and threw only 48 of his 89 pitches for strikes, but Wacha was able to minimize the damage and notch his first win of the season. He now has a 7:7 K:BB through his first 9.2 innings, a ratio that will need to improve significantly if he's going to lower his 5.59 ERA. Wacha will next take the mound Thursday in Cincinnati.
Apr 4 2018Wacha is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha was originally scheduled to pitch Thursday's home opener against Arizona, but with Adam Wainwright (hamstring) cleared to return, the Cardinals will push Wacha's start back by a game and hand the ball to the veteran instead. The 26-year-old will now make his next start on seven days rest. He's looking to bounce back from a rough debut during which he earned the loss after allowing four runs in 4.2 innings.
Mar 31 2018Wacha allowed four earned runs in 4.2 innings Saturday against the Mets, striking out just two batters while allowing five hits, four home runs and two walks.The performance earned Wacha a loss in his season debut. It's too early to worry about him after just one start, though it was certainly a disappointing one. The 26-year-old has suppressed home runs thus far in his career, with a 10 percent HR/FB rate, though he gave up solo shots to Travis d'Arnaud and Yoenis Cespedes on Saturday. The lack of strikeouts is also concerning, though it's just one start. Wacha will remain startable in most leagues until he posts a few more duds like this one.
Mar 27 2018Wacha, who recorded six strikeouts over four scoreless innings in which he allowed three hits and a walk in a Grapefruit League win over the Blue Jays on Monday, is successfully wielding a four-pitch arsenal heading into the regular season, Heather Engel of MLB.com reports.Wacha feels he's gotten his curveball up to snuff this spring, while his cutter has continued to come along as well. Combined with his fastball and changeup, the right-hander heads into 2018 with a four-pitch arsenal that he's confident he can deploy at any point in the count. Manager Mike Matheny shares Wacha's enthusiasm, especially after seeing him generate a solid 3.32 ERA in 19 innings across five exhibition appearances. "Any time you add anything else to his pitches, it makes that changeup [even more useful]," Matheny said. "The fastball, he's elevating it as good as I've ever seen him do it."
Mar 22 2018Wacha cruised through six innings against Astros minor leaguers Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.He threw approximately 80 pitches along the way, making it a highly productive outing as he continues prepping for a projected 2018 debut in the third game of the season. The possibility exists for Wacha to get some final tune-up work against the Blue Jays early next week in a pair of Montreal exhibitions, although he ultimately may work on the side.
Mar 11 2018Wacha debuted both a cutter and curve ball during his four-inning start in a 7-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Marlins on Saturday, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.He wasn't entirely successful -- the right-hander allowed four earned runs on six hits, a walk and a wild pitch -- but he also recorded four strikeouts, all over 68 pitches. Pitching coach Mike Maddux has been overseeing the expansion of Wacha's arsenal from two to four pitches, as he's primarily relied on fastballs and changeups to date in his career. While he was touched up for a solo home run by the pinch-hitting Isan Diaz and a pair of run-scoring singles, Maddux feels the rollout of the new offerings was still a net positive and that Wacha just needs more experience incorporating the new pitches. "The damage was done via the well-placed balls," said Maddux. "There were a lot of ground balls that went through (the infield) and a blooper. Overall, four pitches he threw for strikes. By adding those pitches, he might have lost his sharpness on the others. It just comes with touches."
Mar 5 2018Wacha (0-1) allowed two earned runs on five hits over three innings in Sunday's 4-1 Grapefruit League loss to the Astros. He also recorded a strikeout.Wacha surrendered a third-inning solo home run to Jose Altuve among his five hits, although according to reports from Glenn Sattell of MLB.com, the veteran right-hander was especially sharp with his changeup and pleased with the way his arm felt despite giving up a pair of runs overall. Wacha stretched out to 50 pitches -- 32 of which he threw for strikes -- after he'd breezed through two scoreless innings against the Twins in his first outing on Feb. 26. The Cardinals figure to push Wacha's pitch count up another notch in a likely rematch against the Astros next Friday.
Feb 21 2018Wacha said Saturday that he adjusted his offseason program to incorporate more leg-strengthening exercises, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Meanwhile, Wacha scaled back his upper-body lifting in order to avoid placing strain on his throwing shoulder, which provided complications for him in 2016. Wacha was able to steer clear of the disabled list last season, but finished with only 165.2 innings due to manager Mike Matheny making a habit of granting the 26-year-old additional rest between starts. Though Wacha is hopeful to be an every-fifth-day starter throughout 2018 and set the goal of crossing the 200-inning threshold for the first time in his career, Matheny hinted the Cardinals might not deviate from a usage pattern that kept the young hurler healthy for the long haul last season. In the event the Cardinals again act conservatively with Wacha, he'll need to be downgraded in fantasy leagues that count quality starts as a category; the right-hander threw more than six innings in just two of his 30 outings last season.
Jan 12 2018Wacha agreed to a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Friday, avoiding arbitration.Wacha put together a fine 2017, but he lost effectiveness later in his outings, posting a 6.25 ERA the second time through the order and a 5.66 mark the third time through. He will still have appeal as a mid-rotation fantasy arm in 2018 given the team context.
Sep 27 2017Wacha (12-9) took the loss against the Cubs on Wednesday, giving up five runs on seven hits and a walk over six-plus innings while striking out eight.He held the Cubs scoreless through six innings, but the wheels came off in a hurry in the seventh as Wacha allowed the first six batters he faced in the frame to reach base before hitting the showers. The 26-year-old will finish the year with a 4.13 ERA, a marked improvement on 2016 but still a far cry from the 3.38 mark he posted the year before.
Sep 22 2017Wacha (12-8) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out four across five innings, but received no decision Friday against the Pirates.Wacha held the Pirates scoreless the first time through the lineup, but allowed a pair of runs in the fourth inning that erased a 2-0 lead he was given, and as a result he was unable to earn his 13th victory of the season. He's held opponents to three or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, and he's been an adequate fantasy option down the stretch. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Cubs.
Sep 16 2017Wacha (12-8) allowed three runs on six hits and five walks while striking out seven across 5.2 innings to take the loss Saturday against the Cubs.Wacha held the Cubs scoreless the first time through the batting order, but struggled as he gave up three runs over the next two frames, leading to his eighth loss of the season. He came into this contest having allowed four earned runs over his last three outings, and with a 4.02 ERA in the season, and a reasonable fantasy option. He'll make his next start Friday against the Pirates.
Sep 10 2017Wacha (12-7) pitched eight scoreless inning with seven strikeouts during Sunday's win Pittsburgh.After posting a discouraging 6.04 ERA through six August games, Wacha has now won consecutive September starts. His 3.99 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 8.4 K/9 are respectable fantasy numbers, but the 26-year-old righty also sports a 3.68 FIP, so he's likely out pitched his stat line. Wacha lines up to make his next start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Sep 6 2017Wacha (11-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out six over six innings to pick up the win in Tuesday's game against the Padres.Wacha allowed four runs -- including a mammoth two-run blast to opposing pitcher Travis Wood -- in the opening two innings Tuesday, but settled down and breezed through the next four frames en route to his second consecutive quality start. The righty posted an ugly 6.04 ERA over his six August starts, but will look to finish the season on a stronger note. He's scheduled to take on the Pirates on Sunday.
Sep 1 2017Wacha (10-7) allowed an earned run on four hits and two walks over six innings in Thursday's 5-2 win over the Giants. He struck out two.Wacha got through his six frames on an efficient 84 pitches, an encouraging bounce-back after he'd allowed 14 earned runs over the 10.1 innings encompassing his previous three starts. The 26-year-old notched his first win since Aug. 8 and was successful keeping the ball down for the most part; he generated a total of 11 ground balls and didn't allow a home run for the first time in the last four starts. He'll look to put together a successful encore when he faces the Padres on the road next Tuesday.
Aug 25 2017Wacha (9-7) allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 3.1 innings in a loss Friday to the Rays.Wacha has now allowed five runs in consecutive starts and hasn't thrown a quality start since August 8 against Kansas City. Steven Souza Jr. touched Wacha up for his fourth home run in his past three starts, the main factor behind his current cold streak. Wacha had allowed just 11 home runs over his first 21 starts, good for a 0.8 HR/9, an excellent mark in today's homer-happy environment. If Wacha wants to turn it around, he'll need to find a way to keep the ball in the yard.
Aug 19 2017Wacha (9-6) allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three across four innings to take the loss Saturday against the Pirates.Wacha gave up a pair of two-run homers in a five-run second inning, and he was unable to give the Cardinals a chance to gain a road victory. Although he's been effective in the majority of his starts, Wacha has allowed at least four earned runs in three of his last six starts to raise his ERA from 3.71 to 4.08. He'll make his next start Friday against the Rays.
Aug 13 2017Wacha (9-5) ended up with the loss Sunday, allowing four earned runs on eight hits across five innings to the Braves. The final score was 6-3.Wacha only issued a single free pass in the afternoon affair but only managed one strikeout, as well. The Iowa native's ERA (3.85) and WHIP (1.32) this season are right in line with his career marks of 3.73 and 1.28, and his 115 K's have him on pace for a new career high.
Aug 8 2017Wacha (9-4) surrendered three runs on six hits and two walks over six innings during Tuesday's win over the Royals. He struck out five.Following Tuesday's outing, Wacha has now alternated quality starts over his past seven appearances and lowered his season ERA from 4.50 to 3.70 in the process. Despite his inconsistencies, Wacha has proven himself to be a solid starting pitching option since the All-Star break, as he has only allowed nine earned runs over his last 31 innings. The 26-year-old is scheduled to square off against the Braves on Sunday.
Aug 3 2017Wacha allowed a single run on five hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings during Thursday's loss to Milwaukee. He didn't factor into the decision.Luke Voit pinch hit for Wacha in the top of the fifth frame to end the righty's afternoon early. It was a surprising move because Wacha had pitched into the six inning in each of his previous six outings and posted a sterling 1.86 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 9.8 K/9 during that stretch. Clearly, Wacha has found a groove, and he sports a solid 3.66 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 9.0 K/9 for the campaign. Wacha projects to make his next start against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Jul 28 2017Wacha (8-4) tossed six shutout innings, allowing three hits and recording five strikeouts, in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.Wacha was essentially in control all night, not allowing a hit until a Chris Owings double in the fifth, but got the hook after his pitch count hit 93 through six innings. It was a nice rebound outing following the right-hander's last start, in which he surrendered five earned runs in a loss to the Cubs, and brings an end to what has been his most successful month this season. Wacha has now gone 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA and a 32:4 K:BB over his last five starts, a strong trend he'll look to continue in the latter half of the season. His next appearance is scheduled for Thursday against the Brewers.
Jul 23 2017Wacha gave up five earned runs on six hits across six innings in a 5-3 loss to the Cubs on Sunday night. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk.The loss snaps a four-game winning streak for Wacha, who owned a miniscule 1.01 ERA and 0.86 WHIP during that span. The 26-year-old is now 7-4 with a 3.93 ERA and 100:32 K:BB in 18 starts this season, and is firmly entrenched behind Carlos Martinez and Lance Lynn as the team's No. 3 starter.
Jul 18 2017Wacha (7-3) went the distance against the Mets on Tuesday, striking out eight while allowing just three hits and a walk in a 5-0 win.After scuffling through his first 13 starts -- 4.76 ERA, 1.51 WHIP -- with only a few bright spots, Wacha's suddenly turned the corner over his last four outings. He's won all four, giving up just three runs while posting a 31:5 K:BB over 26.2 innings in that span. His struggles may have seen him cut to the waiver wire in a lot of leagues, so it's worth checking in on Wacha's roster status. However, he's got a tough test coming up Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley; they raked him for six runs over 4.1 innings there back on June 4.
Jul 6 2017Wacha gave up two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out nine in 5.2 innings Thursday against the Marlins to improve to 6-3 on the season.He notched an excellent 18:3 K:BB in 11.2 innings over his final two starts of the first half, missing bats at a career-best clip. Four of his six wins have come over his past six starts, although he has just three quality starts over that stretch. Despite owning a 4.78 ERA back on June 15, Wacha appears to have ably righted the ship heading into the second half.
Jul 1 2017Wacha (6-5) struck out nine batters through six scoreless innings during Saturday's win over Washington. He allowed just four hits and walk.Shutting down the highest-scoring team in the National League is impressive, and Wacha has now allowed just three earned runs with 17 strikeouts through 16 innings over his past three starts. He sports a serviceable 4.16 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 for the campaign, and his 3.64 FIP suggests he could also have statistical improvement ahead. Additionally, considering the current pitching landscape, Wacha is closing in on being a set-and-forget fantasy option, if he hasn't reached that status already. Wacha projects to face the Marlins at Busch Stadium in his next start.
Jun 26 2017Wacha (4-3) allowed one run on five hits and one walk across six innings in Monday's win over the Reds. He struck out five.Wacha showed excellent command in this one, throwing 69 percent of his pitches for strikes and holding the opposition without an extra-base hit during his time on the mound. The only run against him on the day came on a sacrifice fly that followed a pair of hits in the fourth inning, but he was able to complete six frames with no further damage. Wacha had endured a stretch of poor outings of late, going more than 4.1 innings just once over his previous six, so this quality start was a positive sign for he and fantasy owners alike. His ERA still sits at a lackluster 4.50 for the season, but this performance showed that Wacha still holds fantasy value as a matchup play.
Jun 21 2017Wacha didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing five runs (two earned) on nine hits and a walk while striking out three over four innings in an extra-inning win over the Phillies.A couple of Greg Garcia errors behind him helped soften the blow to Wacha's ERA, but the right-hander still failed to escape the fifth inning for the fifth time in his last six trips to the mound, making him a tough pitcher to rely upon right now in fantasy formats that place a heavy emphasis on wins or quality starts. He'll try to turn things around Monday at home against the Reds.
Jun 16 2017Wacha allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings during Thursday's loss to Milwaukee. He didn't factor into the decision.Wacha is turning in mediocre numbers again in 2017 with a 4.78 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 8.4 K/9. His 4.22 FIP doesn't instill much confidence that he can turn it around, either. The 25-year-old righty pitched well through his first three seasons in the league and entered the majors with excellent pedigree, so there is definitely potential for a bounce-back stretch. It's probably best to take a wait-and-see approach in most settings at this stage of the game, though. Wacha projects to face the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in his next start.
Jun 10 2017Wacha (3-3) allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of work Friday against the Phillies, with two walks and two strikeouts.Despite putting up a season-low in strikeouts, Wacha did enough to produce a nice night against Philadelphia. It was also the first time since May 19 he pitched past the fifth inning, as he had struggled -- allowing 16 runs over 10.1 innings in his previous three starts. Therefore, it's good to see Wacha somewhat back to his normal self with Friday night's outing.
Jun 5 2017Wacha lasted just 4.1 innings Sunday, allowing six runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five Cubs in a no-decision.The 25-year-old right-hander's early-season success is looks like it may have been a mirage. Wacha worked his way to a 2.74 ERA while logging six quality starts in his first seven games of 2017. In three outings since, the fifth-year pitcher is 0-2 with an 11.91 ERA. Wacha will look to get back on track in a favorable matchup Friday against the Phillies.
May 30 2017Wacha (2-3) lasted three innings in Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks. He struck out four.Wacha enjoyed a pair of scoreless frames to begin the game, but he unraveled in the third and yielded four runs on four hits and two walks, running up his pitch count before his removal after the end of the inning. The right-hander was quite solid through his first seven outings of the season, but nine earned runs in seven innings over back-to-back matchups with the Dodgers have bloated his ERA over a full run to 3.99. He will look to get back on track Sunday against the underachieving Cubs.
May 20 2017Wacha (2-1) tossed six scoreless innings Friday, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out five, but had to settle for a no-decision in a 6-5 loss to the Giants.He threw 60 of 86 pitches for strikes, and given the swift collapse of the Cards bullpen after Wacha left the game, manager Mike Matheny might be regretting not trying to get another inning or two out of him. The 25-year-old has worked at least six innings in every start this season and provided a quality start in six of seven outings as he puts the memory of an injury-marred 2016 behind him.
May 15 2017Wacha is scheduled to start Friday's series opener against the Giants, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Wacha will return to the mound Friday after being skipped over the last time through the rotation to afford him some extra rest. This should push Carlos Martinez's next scheduled start back to Saturday. Wacha owns a 3.19 ERA and 34:9 K:BB through 36.2 innings (six starts) this season.
May 11 2017Wacha will have his turn in the rotation skipped to allow him to get extra rest, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Wacha was originally scheduled to start Saturday's bout with the division-rival Cubs, but after going six or more innings in each start thus far, the Cardinals are opting to get him a bit of time off. It's unclear who will fill in for him Saturday, but if he returns to the rotation for his next scheduled start, it would likely come May 20 against the Giants.
May 7 2017Wacha allowed two runs on five hits and two walks across six innings en route to a no-decision in Sunday's start against the Braves. He struck out six.Wacha cruised into the sixth inning, but he labored a bit and allowed two runs on four consecutive hits before getting a double-play ball to escape the jam. He was removed prior to the seventh with a two-run lead but saw his third win of the season fade away as the bullpen surrendered a pair of late runs. Still, Wacha has delivered a quality start in five of his six outings this season and carries a solid 3.19 ERA, which he has supplemented with a useful 8.3 K/9. He will look to continue what has been a nice start to the campaign Saturday against the Cubs.
May 1 2017Wacha allowed four runs on seven hits (one home run) while walking one and striking out five over six innings for a no-decision in Monday's 7-5 loss to the Brewers.It was the first time this season that Wacha had allowed more than three runs in his five starts, which raised his ERA to a respectable 3.23. Despite the subpar effort, the right-hander has a 28:7 K:BB in 30.2 innings and remains an attractive fantasy starter. Don't let this hiccup deter you from using him in his next outing.
Apr 26 2017Wacha (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings but came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's extra-inning loss to the Blue Jays.He and Marco Estrada dueled to a 2-2 standstill through six innings, only for both bullpens to turn the game into a 6-5 roller coaster. Wacha has now delivered four quality starts in four outings, leaving him with an impressive 2.55 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB through 24.2 innings. He'll look to get back in the win column Sunday at home against the Reds.
Apr 19 2017Wacha (2-1) allowed a single run on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters over 6.2 innings during Wednesday's win over Pittsburgh.Wacha was trending towards being one of the better young pitchers in the National League before turning in an underwhelming 2016 campaign. He's rebounded this year with a 17:5 K:B and has pitched at least six innings in each outing. While you should still keep your expectations for his strikeout total in check, it appears the 25-year-old righty is back to being a serviceable fantasy asset in the majority of settings. He projects to take the hill next against the Blue Jays at home on Tuesday.
Apr 15 2017Wacha (1-1) fanned eight and gave up nine hits and four runs (three earned) on two walks over six innings in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Yankees.Wacha pitched well enough for what would have been his second victory of the season, firing 61 of 98 pitches for strikes and ringing up 14 swings-and-misses on the evening. However, Masahiro Tanaka essentially matched him pitch-for-pitch and the Cardinals righty also ran into some trouble with the long ball. He surrendered a 389-foot home run to right to Starlin Castro in the first with Brett Gardner aboard, and then saw Andrew Romine tag him for a solo shot in the second. Wacha has gone six innings apiece in his first two starts and posted an impressive 14:3 K:BB over that span, so his stuff seems to be largely hitting on all cylinders. He'll look to bounce back in a Wednesday home matinee against the Pirates.
Apr 9 2017Wacha (1-0) gave up an earned run on three hits and a walk across six innings in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Reds. He struck out six.Wacha carried over his considerable spring success into the regular season to the delight of the Cardinals and fantasy owners, getting through his six frames in an efficient 83 pitches. He missed plenty of bats as well, recording 13 swinging strikes. Wacha encouragingly induced eight groundball outs as well and completely avoided the long ball against the likes of Joey Votto and Adam Duvall. The outing was exactly what the Cardinals and Wacha had hoped to see after his resurgent spring, and he'll look to continue his success against the Yankees on Friday night.
Mar 30 2017Wacha notched his fourth victory of spring by striking out four while allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk over four innings Wednesday versus the Nationals.Wacha got his work in as he'd hoped this spring, making a total of seven trips to the mound and finishing with a 2.42 ERA and 22 strikeouts over his 26 frames. Per Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the right-hander also honed his curveball into a consistent and effective weapon while re-gaining the steep angle on his fastball that last season's shoulder woes had robbed him of. Wacha hit 97 mph on the gun Wednesday, which also marked the first game that backstop Yadier Molina had an opportunity to catch him in this spring. The former 17-game winner is slated to start either the third or fourth game of the season for the Cardinals, with Lance Lynn's (ribs) health likely to be the determining factor as to which.
Mar 28 2017Wacha, who'll start the Cardinals' last game in Florida on Wednesday, is also a candidate to start the third game of the regular season against the Cubs, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha has been one of the brightest spots of a terrific spring for the Cardinals with a 3-0 record, 2.05 ERA and 18:5 K:BB over six appearances. With Carlos Martinez and Adam Wainwright penciled in for the first two games of the opening series, manager Mike Matheny is reportedly deciding between Wacha and Lance Lynn (ribs) to close out the set against the defending champions.
Mar 26 2017Wacha, who allowed just two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings while striking out three in a victory over the Nationals on Friday, is now 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA over six spring appearances.Wacha looks like he's all the way back to his 2015 form, when he notched a career-high 17 victories and posted a solid 3.38 ERA. He's posted a sparkling 18:5 K:BB over 22 innings in spring training and has been able to mix his pitches effectively virtually every time he's been on the mound, an encouraging development after a 2016 season in which shoulder woes and general ineffectiveness led to a 7-7 record and a career-worst 5.09 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.
Mar 19 2017Wacha gave up three earned runs on five hits and one walk over four innings in Saturday's 5-4 Grapefruit League loss to the Mets. He struck out four.Wacha, who manager Mike Matheny confirmed Sunday will be in the starting rotation, has now posted a 2.65 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over his five spring starts while generating a 15:4 K:BB over 17 innings. He's been able to throw three pitches -- his fastball, changeup and curve -- with effectiveness this spring, and could approximate the career-high 17 wins he logged back in 2015 if he remains healthy.
Mar 14 2017Wacha gave up two earned runs on three hits over five innings in Monday's 6-3 Grapefruit League win over the Astros. He struck out four.Wacha continued his stellar spring with his longest outing to date, although he finally surrendered his first runs over four starts in the third inning. Two came on Colin Moran's two-run double down the right-field line, but Wacha bounced back to retire the next seven hitters to wrap up his afternoon. The right-hander has now generated a stellar 1.38 ERA through 13 innings and looks much closer to the pitcher that notched a career-high 17 wins in 2015 than the one that endured an injury-riddled 7-7 season last year. The ability to get hitters out with his full arsenal of pitches has been especially key to his success thus far, a trend that continued Monday. "When he has his stuff like he had today," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said, "I mean, I saw a strikeout with his fastball, which was really good, I saw a strikeout with his curveball, saw a strikeout with his changeup, saw a strikeout with his cutter. Those are all good signs. You can tell everything is right."
Mar 9 2017Wacha (2-0) notched three strikeouts in three scoreless innings in Wednesday's 9-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Nationals. He gave up two hits and one walk.Wacha worked three innings for the second straight start and boasts a perfect ERA through his first eight spring innings. Wednesday, he made 53 pitches overall, 33 of which found the strike zone. His superb showings this spring are going a long way to solidifying his bid for the fifth starter role, and Wacha remains highly satisfied with the way his conditioning is coming along. "I felt good out there, throwing a lot of strikes, working down in the zone," said Wacha, who's yet to allow an earned run in eight spring innings. "I didn't see any velocity out there today, but I know it feels good whenever I'm letting loose and letting it go. I'm just really happy with the way the arm feels and the body feels, for sure."
Mar 3 2017Wacha fired three scoreless frames in Friday's 2-1 extra-inning Grapefruit League win over the Nationals, surrendering three hits and one walk. He struck out two.Taking the hill for the second time this spring-- and on three days' rest -- Wacha turned in another encouraging effort, and has now given up just one unearned run over five innings overall. Particularly encouraging Friday was the fact that the right-hander faced a regular Nationals lineup that consisted of Trea Turner, Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper as its first three hitters. Wacha threw 48 pitches overall, 32 of which found the strike zone, and utilized both his fastball and changeup with success. Battling to secure the fifth spot in the rotation, the 25-year-old has made a solid case thus far, and will look to work up to four innings in his next start.
Feb 28 2017Wacha gave up one unearned run on four hits and one walk over two innings in Monday's 7-2 Grapefruit League win over the Red Sox.Wacha had an eventful pair of frames on the mound, working his way around an error in the first and leadoff walk in the second. The right-hander was able to throw all four of his pitches effectively and keep the ball down in the strike zone. His one run came after he surrendered back-to-back singles in the first to Hanley Ramirez and Mitch Moreland following a Pau DeJong throwing error on a ball hit by Mookie Betts. Wacha was even better in the second, striking out Sandy Leon on three pitches and getting Dustin Pedroia to pop up to right field by catching him out ahead of his changeup. "I felt good today. Throwing a lot of strikes. Keeping the ball down in the zone," Wacha said after his outing and before trucking back to Jupiter, Fla. "There were good things, for sure. Early on, in my bullpens and in live BPs and stuff, I have made it a point to pitch down in the zone. That is one of the key things I wanted to establish today."
Feb 15 2017Wacha and manager Mike Matheny were both highly encouraged by the pitcher's bullpen session Wednesday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports. "That's as good as I've seen him in a long time," Matheny said. "Right now, we don't look so much at the end result as much as how all the components look. He looked, to me, as right as I've seen him in a long time. I think he just looks stronger."The 25-year-old, who was limited to 24 starts in 2016 due to a right shoulder stress reaction, spent all winter attempting to strengthen his body so as to significantly reduce the chances of the problem returning. Wacha had endured the same injury in 2014, which led to a stint on the disabled list, and altered his offseason regimen accordingly so as to concentrate on strengthening all of the weaker areas of his body. Wacha reported feeling the positive effects of that training in his Wednesday throwing session, reporting that his arm was "able to move freely and without any pain". The timing for his increasingly improving condition could hardly be better, considering that Wacha is now the leading candidate for the fifth starter role that was vacated due to top prospect Alex Reyes' elbow injury, which will require season-ending Tommy John surgery.
Feb 14 2017Wacha lost his arbitration hearing on Tuesday and will receive $2.775 million for the 2017 season, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman reports.He was asking for $3.2 million, but the arbiter likely took notice of his inability to log more than 138 innings in two of the last three seasons and sided with the team. Wacha's role for 2017 is up in the air, as there has been talk of him being developed into a super reliever in the Andrew Miller mold. However, Alex Reyes needed an MRI on his pitching arm Tuesday, and any injuries to starters ahead of Wacha on the depth chart could result in him starting the year in the rotation.
Nov 10 2016Wacha could be used as a super reliever in 2017, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports.He is preparing this winter to start, taking part in an aggressive program to add 15 to 20 pounds of muscle, but the writing is on the wall. Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Mike Leake, Lance Lynn and Alex Reyes all figure to be ahead of Wacha in the pecking order, and Jaime Garcia and Luke Weaver also loom as rotation options. Trevor Rosenthal is being stretched out, with a possible role as a multi-inning reliever in the Andrew Miller mold, and Wacha seems to be the Cardinals' other experimental option in that role. He has the stuff to be dynamic in multi-inning stints out of the bullpen, so all is not lost from a fantasy perspective, and he could still end up starting, so his value is very fluid at the moment.
Oct 6 2016Manager Mike Matheny said the Cardinals still view Wacha as a starting pitcher despite injury and performance concerns in 2016, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The club may consider revising his mechanics or having Wacha put on "15 to 20 more pounds of muscle", in Matheny's words, to help him better adapt to a full season of starter work.They've also debated simply making him a reliever permanently, but they want to extract more value out of him. The 25-year-old's frustrating combination of durability issues and high ceiling makes him worth watching this offseason. Also deserving attention is how a potentially crowded group of St. Louis rotation options will fare come late March.
Oct 2 2016Wacha didn't factor into the decision against the Pirates on Saturday and pitched poorly during his brief time on the mound, giving up three earned runs on two hits and a walk over an inning. He also recorded a strikeout.The veteran right-hander was on a short leash given the importance of the game for the Cardinals. He threw 29 pitches in a first inning that saw him give up a three-run blast to Jung-Ho Kang, putting St. Louis in an early hole that they eventually recovered from. Wacha wraps up an injury-riddled 2016 regular season with a 7-7 record, along with a bloated 1.48 WHIP and 5.09 ERA that both represent career worsts.
Sep 30 2016Wacha will start Saturday's game against the Pirates, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.Wacha was hammered for seven earned runs over 2.2 innings his last time out, but manager Mike Matheny decided he was the best option to start Saturday in what will be a key game for the Cardinals' chances of reaching the postseason. While Wacha will start, he figures to be on a short leash if he runs into trouble like he did in his previous outing.
Sep 14 2016Wacha (shoulder) has been activated from the disabled list, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.After nearly a month of the disabled list, Wacha will rejoin the Cardinals for the final few weeks of the regular season. While he's served exclusively as a starter in 2016, Wacha will be used out of the bullpen for the time being. The 25-year-old holds a 4.45 ERA and 1.42 WHIP on the year.
Sep 12 2016Wacha (shoulder) hopes to be activated from the disabled list Wednesday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch.The Cardinals were considering shutting Wacha down for the season, but it now appears he will be available for the final few weeks of the regular season. It's not clear what Wacha's pitch count is at having missed more than a month, but it seems likely he will work out of the bullpen at least to begin with.
Aug 9 2016Wacha (shoulder) could potentially miss the rest of the 2016 season with right shoulder inflammation, which is a related injury to his shoulder from two years ago, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Wacha was placed on the disabled list Tuesday after allowing four runs on six hits and four walks over five innings against the Reds on Monday. As of now, the Cardinals are unsure about his status for the rest of the season. With a decrease in velocity and his struggles in the last few starts, he could wind up getting shut down for the rest of the season if it appears that he shoulder will not be able to handle a comeback before the end of this year.
Aug 9 2016Wacha has been placed on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.After a disappointing start Monday against the Reds, Wacha heads to the DL for at least the next 15 days, while the move is less surprising when you consider that Wacha's average fastball velocity dipped to a season-low 92.66 mph (according to Brooks Baseball ) in Monday's start. Alex Reyes has been called up from Triple-A Memphis to presumably replace Wacha in the St. Louis rotation.
Aug 8 2016Wacha allowed four runs on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Monday against the Reds.This marks just the third time Wacha has walked more than three batters this season, and the first since May 24 against Chicago. But while he didn't allow a home run, he was done in by three extra-base hits, two doubles and a triple, responsible for three of the four Reds runs. Wacha has now allowed 142 hits in 131.1 innings (1.42 WHIP), which has fueled a career worst 4.45 ERA.
Aug 3 2016Wacha (7-7) evened his record by allowing two runs on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts over five innings Wednesday against the Reds.Wacha's offense staked him to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, and that turned out to be just enough to get the righty in a win in an unimpressive outing. Wacha has gone 5-0 over his last eight starts, but his ERA (now 4.35) has gone nearly unchanged because even when he's been effective, he's been well short of spectacular. On the bright side, his 3.66 FIP and 3.94 xFIP suggest Wacha should be able to bring his ratios down at least to respectability as his luck evens out.
Jul 28 2016Wacha (6-7) held the Marlins to three runs on four hits with a pair of strikeouts over six innings in Thursday's 5-4 victory.This could have been a much better outing in the end, as Wacha was in cruise control through the first five innings, allowing just a single hit. But he gave up a single, an RBI double and then a Martin Prado two-run homer in the sixth, leaving the righty with the bare minimum requirements for a quality start. Wacha certainly hasn't been nearly as sharp as in past seasons, but he's been consistent lately, tossing quality starts in seven of his last nine outings.
Jul 22 2016Wacha (5-7) pitched six innings Friday, allowing two runs, 10 hits and one walk while striking out four Dodgers. He did not factor in the decision.The 10 hits allowed were Wacha's most since first start of the year back on April 5 against the Pirates. Now in his fourth MLB season, the 25-year-old owns a career-worst 4.37 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. In his defense, Wacha has been a bit unlucky in that his BABIP is significantly higher than any of his other seasons, and it puts the righty in the top ten for worst BABIP among qualified starting pitchers.
Jul 17 2016Wacha (5-7) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings, but received no decision Sunday against the Marlins.Wacha had a 1-0 lead going into the fourth inning, but gave up a run in the fourth inning and two more in the fifth before leaving the game. He's only fired one quality start over his last four outings, and he now has a 4.45 to go along with a 1.42 WHIP. He'll make his next start Friday against the Dodgers.
Jul 8 2016Wacha took a comebacker off the ankle and immediately exited Friday's game in the seventh inning, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Todd Rosiak reports.He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight in 6.2 innings before Jonathan Villar hit one back up the middle that bounced off Wacha's ankle. Look for his status to be updated later Friday night once the team releases an official injury report.
Jul 8 2016Wacha left Friday's game against the Brewers with a right heel contusion and his status is "fine," according to the team.He took a comebacker off the heel and immediately exited Friday's game, but it sounds like he left as a precaution and because he was already at 97 pitches. Wacha gave up three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight over 6.2 innings before leaving Friday. It sounds like he'll be fine to slot into the rotation again after the All-Star break.
Jul 3 2016Wacha (5-7) allowed two runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings to earn the win Sunday against the Brewers.Wacha was touched up for a pair of runs in the fourth inning while the offense gave him enough support to help him win his fifth game of the year. He's now held opponents to three or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts to lower his ERA to 4.38. He'll make his next start Friday at the Brewers.
Jul 3 2016Wacha (5-7) allowed two runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings to earn the win Sunday at the Brewers.Wacha was touched up for a pair of runs in the fourth inning while the offense gave him enough support to help him win his fifth game of the year. He's now held opponents to three or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts to lower his ERA to 4.38. He'll make his next start Friday at the Brewers.
Jun 28 2016Wacha (4-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits and a walk with four strikeouts over six innings in Tuesday's win over the Royals.Wacha now has two consecutive victories and four consecutive quality starts. His ERA is still a bit ugly at 4.42, but most of that damage came in two disaster starts May 19 and May 24. He allowed 14 runs over eight innings in those two outings (15.75 ERA) but has given up just 32 earned runs in his other 14 starts (85.2 innings, 3.36 ERA).
Jun 11 2016Wacha was saddled with a no-decision Friday versus the Pirates, despite a strong outing. He surrendered three hits, two earned runs and three walks over seven innings, while striking out five.The embattled righty was able to induce 11 swinging strikes over his seven solid frames, and turned in his second quality start over the last three trips to the mound. Wacha has shown considerable improvement since a three-start stretch in May during which he surrendered 20 runs (16 earned) over just 12 innings, and certainly pitched well enough to have secured a victory Friday. He'll try once again to secure his first win since April 23 next Friday, when he faces off with the Rangers.
May 29 2016Wacha (2-6) took the loss against the Nationals on Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.A three-run fourth inning proved to be his undoing, as Stephen Strasburg was being his usual stingy self for the Nats. The quality start was Wacha's first in five outings and did lower his ERA to 4.99, but he's now dropped six straight decisions as he closes out a brutal May. He'll try to turn things around when he takes on the Giants at home in his next start Saturday.
May 24 2016Wacha (2-5) allowed eight runs on eight hits and four walks with four strikeouts over four innings in a loss Tuesday against the Cubs.Wacha is in a rut, as he has allowed at least four runs in each of his last four starts and at least six earned runs in each of his last two. His last quality start came May 3 against the Phillies; since then, his ERA has jumped from 2.65 to 5.04. The big problem has been control: 13 of his 22 walks have come in his past four starts, a 6.5 BB/9. Wacha will have to find his control before he can regain the form we've come to expect from him.
May 19 2016Wacha gave up six runs on eight hits in only four innings for the second consecutive start Thursday against the Rockies, but was able to avoid a decision in an eventual 13-7 win.After two low-scoring games to open this series in St. Louis, the rubber game turned out more like an evening at Coors Field, with both teams beating up the opposing starter. While Wacha was fortunate not to get the worst of it, he's also now given up a stunning 16 runs (12 earned) over his last three outings. The righty's also failed to finish five innings in three of his nine starts. There's some bad luck at play here -- his BABIP's inflated to .338 now -- but it's worth noting that Wacha has shockingly failed to induce even one pop-out all year long. It won't be easy to get back on track with a Tuesday start against the Cubs next on the docket.
May 14 2016Wacha allowed six runs (two earned) on eight hits and three walks across just four innings Friday versus the Dodgers. He struck out two and was handed his fourth loss of the season.The 24-year-old was let down by his defense Friday, as the Cardinals committed four errors on the night, which led to four unearned runs for L.A. Wacha has now suffered four consecutive losses, but his 3.23 ERA on the season suggests that he has pitched better than his record reflects, and he will look to get back in the win column Thursday versus the Rockies.
May 9 2016Wacha (2-3) gave up four runs on six hits and two walks over six innings while striking out six to take the loss in Sunday's 10-5 defeat at the hands of the Pirates.He's now lost three straight starts, but Wacha's 3.12 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB in 43.1 innings remain solid. He'll try to get back in the win column Saturday, on the road against the Dodgers.
May 4 2016Wacha (2-2) allowed one run on five hits and three walks and struck out eight but still took the loss Tuesday against the Phillies.Wacha made one mistake, a home run allowed to Ryan Howard, and that was enough, as Aaron Nola threw seven shutout innings to saddle Wacha with an extremely tough luck loss. After allowing four runs in 4.1 innings in his first start, Wacha has rattled off five consecutive quality starts to lower his ERA to 2.65. He has been especially nasty over his past two starts, with 17 strikeouts in just 15 innings.
Apr 28 2016Wacha (2-1) suffered the loss Thursday in Arizona despite striking out nine while giving up three runs on five hits and two walks in seven innings.After Wacha recorded zero strikeouts in his last start, he recovered with a season high in whiffs, but also gave up his first two homers of the year. The 24-year-old righty has had some bad luck with BABIP and strand rate in the early going, but has nonetheless been pretty decent outside of his rough first start. Wacha may not be blowing the world away right now, but his combination of solid production and upside makes for a strong fantasy asset.
Apr 24 2016Wacha (2-0) pitched six innings of two-run ball against San Diego to pick up the win Saturday, allowing four hits and four walks without recording a strikeout.Zero strikeouts is a bit disappointing for fantasy owners but it was a solid outing nonetheless. Wacha had been averaging nearly a strikeout per inning coming into the outing. The 24-year-old righty will take a 2.82 ERA and 1.43 WHIP into his start at Arizona next week.
Apr 17 2016Wacha allowed three runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking just one across six innings Sunday versus the Reds. He did not factor into the decision.Wacha was efficient and needed only 80 pitches to get through six frames, but a pair of errors led to two runs allowed in the fourth inning, tying the game and ultimately costing him a shot at a second consecutive win. Wacha now has a 2.76 ERA and a 8.4 K/9 rate through three starts, and if he can cut down on the number of baserunners he has allowed, he could be in for a terrific season. He will draw a cushy matchup versus the train wreck that is the San Diego Padres Saturday in his next start.
Apr 11 2016Wacha (1-0) defeated the Brewers on Monday behind six shutout innings. He allowed four hits and a walk and struck out seven.The first inning was the only inning in which the Brewers even managed to get a runner to second base against Wacha, and he eliminated that threat by inducing a Jonathan Lucroy double play. Wacha was efficient, throwing 64 strikes in 94 pitches, and probably could have gone deeper in a closer game, but with a 9-0 lead, Wacha departed after six with the quality start in hand. It's a good rebound from an Opening Day start in which Wacha served up four earned runs to the Pirates in 4.1 innings, and his ERA is down to 3.48 as a result.
Apr 5 2016Wacha was roughed up in a no-decision Tuesday against the Pirates, as he allowed five runs (four earned) on 10 hits and a walk over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.Wacha was not hit as hard as his line might suggest, as eight of the 10 hits against him were singles and he gave up just one fly ball against eight grounders. But he wasn't able to put hitters away in critical situations with runners on base, as he induced just six swinging strikes. While those grounders won't find the outfield at this rate too often, games like this are the risk you run when you can't lock down at-bats via the strikeout.
Mar 30 2016Wacha tossed five scoreless innings Wednesday, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out two to pick up his first win this spring.Wacha has not had his best stuff this spring -- entering Wednesday's game, he held a 6.00 ERA over 12 innings. However, Wacha is still an elite starter who is coming off his best statistical season (17-7, 3.38 ERA) and at 24 years old, his best years are likely ahead of him. He should be considered a must-start in all fantasy formats entering the 2016 season.
Mar 9 2016Wacha made his first start of the spring Tuesday and revealed a cutter that he's hoping to add to his arsenal moving forward, MLB.com reports.Wacha started working on the cutter this winter and it seems to be coming along nicely as he ended his outing by inducing a groundout with the pitch. He's still working on the command but it looks as though it could be a pitch he'll use this season to keep hitters off-balance from his most heavily used pitches, his fastball and changeup.
Oct 8 2015Wacha will start Game 3 of the NLDS, Benjamin Hochman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha will take the mound in a pivotal Game 3 matchup against Mets' righty Matt Harvey on Monday. Wacha's had some success against the Mets in his career -- he won his only start against them this year -- however both teams have changed considerably since he last pitched against them May 19.
Sep 30 2015Wacha (17-7) lasted just four innings in the afternoon portion of Wednesday's doubleheader, allowing six runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four in an 8-2 loss.The Cardinals have to be hugely concerned about Wacha at this point, as he's flagged badly in September. He's failed to complete six innings in four of his last five starts, and he's given up four-plus runs thrice in that span, with an awful 19:18 K:BB in 24 innings. Wacha's now thrown 181.1 innings after throwing just 109 last season and 149.2 the year before. That workload has clearly worn on him, yet it's almost impossible to envision a scenario in which he doesn't start a playoff game for the NL Central champs.
Sep 29 2015Wacha will not make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Pirates, as the game has been postponed due to rain, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.The game has been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader Wednesday. Look for Wacha to simply move back to start one game of the twin bill, as he attempts to go 3-0 against the Pirates during the regular season. He's allowed just four earned runs in 18.2 innings against Pittsburgh so far this year.
Sep 29 2015Wacha will start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.With Tuesday's game postponed due to weather, Wacha will simply move back to start the opener of what amounts to a critical doubleheader against the division rival Pirates. Instead of facing off against Charlie Morton as initially scheduled Tuesday, Wacha instead will take the mound against Gerrit Cole.
Sep 24 2015Wacha (17-6) wasn't sharp Thursday, allowing six hits, three walks and three runs while striking out only one against the Brewers, but he still emerged victorious.For that, Wacha can thank his offense, as this was not a good outing at all. In fact, Wacha's been an entirely different pitcher over his last four starts, and not for the better -- in that span of 20 innings, he's given up five home runs and has a horrible 15:14 K:BB. It could be that Wacha is wearing down, as he's never even approached this year's innings total before.
Sep 19 2015Wacha took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks over five innings while striking out seven.This is now the third straight game in which Wacha has walked three or more batters, a strong hint that his career-high workload (172.1 innings on the season and counting) might be catching up to him. His next start is scheduled for Thursday at home against the Brewers, but with the Cardinals already having a playoff spot locked up, don't be surprised if the team tries to give Wacha a rest before the postseason begins.
Sep 14 2015Wacha (16-5) turned in a quality start and picked up the win against Cincinnati on Sunday, going six innings while surrendering two runs on three hits and four walks, striking out five.It's a nice bounce-back start for Wacha who was shelled for six runs in his last start. He still has an outside shot at becoming a 20-game winner this year at just 24-years-old.
Sep 8 2015Wacha fell to 15-5 as he allowed six runs on six hits and three walks in four inning Tuesday against the Cubs. He struck out two.Four innings marks Wacha's shortest start of the same, and unsurprisingly, his 25 Game Score was his worst of the season, 12 points below his previous low set June 21 at Philadelphia. The streak snaps a seven-game quality start streak, but Wacha still owns a 2.96 ERA and should be expected to start another streak soon.
Sep 2 2015Wacha is simply missing his start Wednesday to limit his innings and provide him some rest, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Thankfully, Wacha's reason for missing isn't due to injury, likely suggesting his absence won't last long. Manager Mike Matheny did indicate that he didn't was them to miss division games, so it seems likely he will pitch at some point in the Cubs series.
Sep 2 2015Wacha has been scratched from his scheduled Wednesday against the Nationals, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.The team hasn't released the exact reason behind Wacha being replaced Wednesday, but the mos likely scenario includes and injury of some kind. Until an official diagnosis has been released, it's difficult to determine how long Wacha's absence will last, but a timetable should reveal itself when the team releases more information.
Aug 28 2015Wacha was undone by his defense on Friday, as he allowed four unearned runs on six hits and two walks while recording six strikeouts in a no-decision against the Giants.Wacha allowed a grand slam to Marlon Byrd after two base runners got on thanks to errors and the other being hit by a pitch. Over his last six starts Wacha has been brilliant, allowing just four runs across 39 innings. With a 15-4 record and a 2.69 ERA, Wacha is becoming the elite pitcher everyone anticipated him being. He'll look to keep up this stellar form against the Nationals on Wednesday.
Aug 17 2015Wacha took a no decision despite an excellent start Monday against San Francisco, as he allowed one run on six hits and a walk. He struck out six.Wacha was exceptionally sharp Monday. He started out 21 of his 27 batters faced with strikes, induced 11 swinging strikes, and gave up 10 ground balls against just five fly balls. Wacha likely would have had the chance to pitch the eighth had his spot in the order not come up; he required just 93 pitches to get through seven innings. His ERA is down to 2.85 and his quality start streak is up to five.
Aug 13 2015Wacha got his 14th win Wednesday, giving up two runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out seven against the Pirates.Wacha out-pitched counterpart Gerrit Cole, though the anticipated marquee pitching matchup didn't live up to expectations. Both starters were gone by the seventh, but Wacha left with a 4-2 lead and ultimately got the win, his third straight and 14th of the season. Wacha is now 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh this season and is tied with Cole and Seattle's Felix Hernandez for the major league lead in wins.
Aug 6 2015Wacha (13-4) was brilliant Thursday, allowing just four hits and two walks across seven scoreless innings in a 3-0 win over the Reds. He also struck out six.This performance was eerily similar to his last start as he matched his hit count, runs allowed, inning total, and even pitch count. Wacha has recaptured his early season form after some brief struggles in the middle of July, when he allowed 13 runs in a three-game stretch. Skeptics looked at his strikeout total as his only blemish, but seeing as how Wacha has struck out at least five batters in 12 straight games, it's tough to be skeptical anymore. He hosts the Pirates in his next start on Wednesday.
Jul 31 2015Wacha (12-4) was fantastic Friday, going seven scoreless innings in a 7-0 win over the Rockies. He struck out seven and allowed just four hits.Wacha was struggling a bit as of late, allowing 13 runs in his last three games but pitched brilliantly on Friday. The young righty is proving to be an ace for the Cards, posting a 3.07 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 20 starts. He'll look to continue his success against the Reds on Thursday.
Jul 26 2015Wacha endured his fourth loss of the season Sunday against the Braves, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out five.The 24-year-old bounced back with a quality start after allowing five runs in each of his previous two outings, but the Cardinals couldn't mount enough offense against Matt Wisler to earn him the win. After a superb start to the year, Wacha has come down to earth and has allowed four runs or more in five of his last 10 starts. He is next scheduled to take the mound Friday against the Rockies.
Jul 22 2015Wacha picked up the win despite an unimpressive outing Tuesday, surrendering five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight across five innings against the White Sox.Wacha's 11th win is tied for the third best total in all of baseball. He's now given up five earned runs in each of his last two starts. He'll look to rebound Sunday against Atlanta.
Jul 8 2015Wacha gave up five runs on seven hits and a walk to go with six strikeouts in six innings against the Cubs on Wednesday.After giving up only a run each in his previous two starts, Wacha gave up five runs Wednesday but did not factor in the decision as the Cardinals rallied in the ninth to beat the Cubs, 5-4. Heading into the All-Star break, Wacha is 10-3 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 86:24 K:BB ratio in 107.1 innings -- a career high.
Jul 4 2015Wacha pitched well Friday against San Diego but was handed the no-decision in the eventual loss, throwing seven innings of one-run ball while allowing only five hits and a walk, striking out six.Wacha surrendered a lead-off home run to Jed Gyorko in the seventh in an otherwise terrific outing for the young righty. Wacha holds a 2.66 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 101.1 innings this season. He'll likely set a career high for innings pitched in his next start or two (107 innings).
Jun 27 2015Wacha (10-3) struck out five while holding the Cubs to one run on six hits over six innings in Saturday's 8-1 win.The only run he gave up came on an RBI single by opposing pitcher Donn Roach. Wacha's been a oddly mixed bag recently, as his strikeout rate has spiked dramatically over his last six starts in particular, but he'd been blown up for four-plus runs thrice in the last five. We'd also like to see him pitch deep into games with greater consistency. But with the instant impact he's had, it's easy to forget how young Wacha is -- he's still a few days short of his 24th birthday. He'll make his next start two days after that, Friday against the Padres.
Jun 21 2015Wacha didn't have it on Sunday, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk in five innings pitched while striking out seven to take the loss against the Phillies.Wacha hasn't been as sharp the last month, seeing his ERA rise from 1.87 to 2.48 in that time. Still, a 2.48 ERA is nothing to sneeze at. His strikeout rate is a bit down this year as he's punched out just 62 batters in 83.1 innings, but he's also been stingier in allowing baserunners, posting a career best 1.044 WHIP through his first 13 starts this season.
Jun 16 2015Wacha struck out five and walked one while holding the Twins to two runs on three hits over 6.1 innings in a winning effort Tuesday afternoon.The game's second rain delay during the seventh inning prompted an early exit for Wacha, as he had only thrown 86 pitches to that point. Wacha now has nine wins on the season, and he's piled up more strikeouts in recent weeks after a slow start in that department in April. Since his May 14 start against Cleveland, Wacha has fanned 43 batters in 44.2 innings (seven starts). He'll face the Phillies on the road Sunday in his next scheduled start.
Jun 9 2015Wacha fell to 8-2 with a loss Tuesday in Colorado despite striking out 10. He allowed four runs on nine hits over 6.2 innings.Nolan Arenado touched Wacha up for a two-run homer in the sixth inning. It's difficult to escape Coors Field without a ball leaving the yard, and it was encouraging to see Wacha's first double-digit strikeout game of the year. His previous season high was seven. His ERA remains excellent at 2.45.
Jun 5 2015Wacha (8-1) dominated the Dodgers on Thursday, giving up one run and seven hits while striking out five in seven innings.After receiving his first loss of the season to Los Angeles in his last outing, Wacha had his vengeance as he pitched the Cardinals past the Dodgers to a 7-1 victory. This was the right-hander's first road start against the Dodgers, whom he defeated twice in the 2013 NL championship series while shutting them out in 13.2 innings. Wacha became the first Cardinals pitcher to begin a season 6-0 on the road since 2005, when Chris Carpenter won his first 12 decisions away from Busch Stadium. For the season, Wacha has an impressive 2.18 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Wacha will look to continue his dominating ways when he next takes the mound Tuesday at the hitter-friendly Coors Field in Colorado.
May 31 2015Wacha (7-1) took his first loss of the season Saturday, giving up four runs on just three hits in 5.2 innings against the Dodgers. He struck out seven, walked three and hit a batter.Wacha cruised through five, but ran into trouble in the sixth, giving up all of his runs -- three of them on a Yasmani Grandal homer. After struggling to miss bats all year long, Wacha matched his season high Saturday despite the losing effort. Curiously, he hasn't finished six innings in either of his seven-strikeout games this year; meanwhile, in his other eight outings, Wacha's posted seven quality starts. He'll have a rematch with Carlos Frias and the Dodgers on Thursday.
May 24 2015Wacha will likely face an innings limit this season, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Manager Mike Matheny said that they (Matheny and general manager John Mozeliak) have an idea of where they want to keep him in terms of his innings for this season. Wacha has been terrific so far this season but owners, especially in head-to-head leagues, should be aware that his value may be limited come September.
May 24 2015Wacha struck out four and gave up just one run across seven inningson Sunday against the Royals in a 6-1 win, moving his record to 7-0 on the season.Though the 23-year-old is not exactly racking up the strikeouts this year (5.6 K/9), Wacha has been dominant and now owns a pristine 1.87 ERA to go along with his unbeaten record through 57.2 innings. He's next scheduled to face the Dodgers at home next Saturday.
May 19 2015Wacha gave up two runs on four hits across seven innings in a win over the Mets on Tuesday.Wacha threw another gem Tuesday, walking two and striking out five to earn the win. He's now 6-0 with a 2.13 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He'll look to stay perfect at home against Arizona in his next start.
May 14 2015Wacha struck out seven batters over five innings Thursday against Cleveland, allowing just a run on five hits and two walks. He received no decision in the eventual win.Wacha actually left with a 1-0 deficit after needing 105 pitches to make it through five innings, but Matt Carpenter flipped the script on the game with an eighth-inning home run. This is an interesting mixed bag of an outing for Wacha -- his shortest start of the year, but also the most strikeouts he's racked up in a game. There was some concern over the significant decline in his strikeout rate -- just 19 in 38.2 innings to star the year -- but that seems likely to normalize as things go on. He next draws the relatively light-hitting Mets on Tuesday.
May 10 2015The Cardinals are considering going with a six-man rotation in order to help limit the innings thrown by Wacha and Carlos Martinez, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Even before Adam Wainwright's season-ending injury, the Cards wanted to limit Wacha and Martinez to a combined 300 innings. With Wainwright out and the team auditioning candidates to fill his spot, it'll be tough to find another starting pitcher on top of that, unless Marco Gonzales and/or Jaime Garcia make big strides in their respective rehabs.
May 8 2015Wacha was in a bend but don't break mode Friday night, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, he did not walk a batter, and struck out one over six innings as the Cardinals hung an 8-5 loss on the Pirates.While he didn't issue any walks, he pitched from behind in the count for much of the outing and needed 104 pitches (70 for strikes) to cover the six innings. Despite the pedestrian performance in this one, Wacha remains on point with a 5-0 record and a sparkling 2.09 ERA so far this season.
May 3 2015Wacha held the Pirates scoreless through six and two thirds innings on Sunday, walking two and striking out two on his way to a no decision.Wacha pitched very well on Sunday, surrendering just five hits to a good Pirates lineup. He through 100 pitches, 70 of which were strikes and he worked through the hitters quickly. Wacha now holds an ERA of 1.93 on the year to go along with a 1.04 WHIP. He's a solid play anytime he takes the mound.
May 3 2015Wacha held the Pirates scoreless through 6.2 innings Sunday but did not earn a decision. He walked two and struck out two.Wacha pitched well Sunday, surrendering just five hits to a good Pittsburgh lineup. He threw 100 pitches - including 70 strikes - and he worked through the hitters quickly. Wacha now holds an ERA of 1.93 on the year to go along with a 1.04 WHIP.
Apr 28 2015Wacha (4-0) wasn't at his best Tuesday against the Phillies, giving up four runs on six hits over 5.2 innings, but it was enough for the win. He struck out four and walked a pair.The Phillies did a good job scraping runs across the board on Wacha, but the Cardinals jumped all over opposing starter Severino Gonzalez and then the Philadelphia bullpen, scoring 11 runs on the evening. This was by far Wacha's worst start thus far -- he gave up just a single run in each of the other three -- but he's still a perfect 4-for-4 in the win column.
Apr 24 2015Wacha allowed one run and five hits with two walks and six strikeouts in seven innings Thursday to pick up the win over the Nationals.In his previous two starts Wacha outpitched Reds star Johnny Cueto, and in his third start of the season, he outdueled Max Scherzer, who came into the game with an impressive 0.83 ERA. Wacha is now a perfect 3-0 for the season and has lowered his ERA to 1.33. His next start will be Tuesday against Philadelphia.
Apr 17 2015Wacha held the Reds to one run over seven innings Friday to earn the win. He allowed five hits and a walk, striking out four.The only blemish to Wacha's start came in the first inning, on a Joey Votto homer. He then allowed a double to Todd Frazier but was able to strand him, and then cruised after the first inning.
Apr 12 2015Wacha was sharp Saturday, picking up the win in his 2015 debut by holding the Reds to one run on five hits and a walk while striking out two across 6.1 innings.Wacha's only damage was a two-out solo shot from Todd Frazier in the first, after that he stymied the Reds for the remainder of his day before the Cardinals bullpen finished the job. Wacha now has a 2.98 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in his first 178 career MLB innings. He's still just 23-years old.
Apr 7 2015Wacha will start Saturday against the Reds.Wacha's 2015 debut will be delayed a day as a result of Tuesday's rainout. Carlos Martinez will follow in the series finale, with manager Mike Matheny opting to keep his same rotation order.
Mar 26 2015Wacha was sharp again Wednesday, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings while striking out four and allowing four hits.Wacha has been excellent this spring and could provide some solid value to owners this year after a disappointing 2014 saw him tumble down draft boards.
Mar 10 2015Wacha continues to impress this spring after throwing two perfect innings and striking out four of the six batters he faced Monday against Boston.Wacha is beginning to look like the guy who vaulted up draft boards a year ago and if he continues down this path he should provide excellent value in most leagues that owners can scoop him up in.
Feb 27 2015Wacha impressed on Wednesday in his spring debut against live hitters, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha wasn't back to his old self but he's evidently progressing faster than most had expected, including his own teammates. Pitching coach Derek Lilliquist called it a "really good day for Michael." Wacha could provide owners with some excellent value in the mid-to-late rounds of drafts this spring.
Feb 23 2015Wacha has no restrictions this spring, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.An MRI in January showed that Wacha had fully recovered from the stress reaction in his right shoulder that limited him to just 107 innings last season. The Cardinals intend to push him in camp, and it would hardly be surprising to see the interest in Wacha as a mid-round target in drafts increase if he stays healthy while progressing through the spring.
Jan 20 2015Wacha is feeling good and described his elbow as "extremely healthy" following an MRI Sunday that showed his right shoulder had fully healed from a stress reaction this summer, MLB.com reports.Wacha, an extremely popular pick in 2014, was only able to log 107 innings. Still just 23, he'll enter 2015 at 100 percent and is more than capable of posting the numbers owners expected from him last season.
Oct 1 2014Wacha will pitch out of the bullpen in the NLDS, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.The 23-year-old wasn't particularly sharp in four starts after his return from a shoulder injury, giving up 11 runs (10 earned) on 20 hits, with 11 strikeouts against seven walks in 16.2 innings. Manager Mike Matheny has decided to go with Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, John Lackey and Shelby Miller (in that order) against Los Angeles, meaning Wacha will be available to eat multiple innings out of the bullpen should a starter be bounced early or if a game goes into extras.
Sep 26 2014Wacha threw five innings on Friday against the Diamondbacks, as he gave up two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out four in a no-decision.It was Wacha's best start since returning from injury September 4. Wacha was a bit wild at times, but managed to get out of first-inning trouble to keep the Cardinals in the game. The 22-year old Wacha ends the regular season with a 3.18 ERA, 94 strikeouts and a 3:1 K/BB ratio in 107 innings pitched.
Sep 21 2014Wacha gave up two runs on six hits while striking out one in 4.2 innings Saturday against the Reds.Wacha failed to qualify for the win, as he couldn't make it past the fifth inning. The 78 pitches he threw were the most since returning from his shoulder injury earlier this month. The 23-year-old will take the mound again on Friday at Arizona.
Sep 17 2014Wacha will start Saturday against the Reds, Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reports.The 23-year-old struggled against Cincinnati his last time out, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks over just four innings. Manager Mike Matheny said afterward that Wacha just "doesn't look right," pointing to a drop in fastball velocity as a reason to skip him one turn through the rotation. Apparently, the club is now confident enough to return him to the hill, but Wacha may have a short leash until he proves he's back at full strength.
Sep 12 2014Wacha's start Sunday will be skipped and Marco Gonzales will start in his place, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha "doesn't look right" according to manager Mike Matheny. His fastball is reportedly down in velocity, which is a pitch he specifically relies heavily on. The issue may explain why he struggled in his last outing, allowing six runs (five earned) over just four innings of work against the Reds on Tuesday.
Sep 9 2014Wacha gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts in four innings Tuesday against the Reds.The Cardinals are slowly building up Wacha's pitch count, as he threw 70 pitches (44 strikes) Tuesday. With a comfortable lead in the division, the Cardinals have their sights set on the postseason, and Wacha quite clearly is knocking his rust off at the big-league level, which does't concern the team. However, with each outing he should get better and be able to pitch deeper into games, making him still a valuable asset in fantasy leagues down the stretch. He'll pitch again Sunday at home against the Rockies.
Sep 4 2014Wacha (shoulder) was activated from the DL and will start Thursday against the Brewers.Upon completion of a rehab start for Double-A Springfield on Sunday, Wacha received the green light to return after an 11-week absence. The right-hander tossed just 34 pitches in that rehab outing, and the expectation is that he'll be capped around the 60 pitches Thursday, making him a rather unappealing play in daily leagues. Justin Masterson, Marco Gonzales and Tyler Lyons are likely all available to eat multiple innings out of the bullpen for St. Louis.
Sep 4 2014Wacha made a successful return from the disabled list Thursday in Milwaukee, going three innings and allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts.Hey, it's not exactly domination, but the Cards had him on a pitch count and are likely overjoyed to have Wacha back for the conclusion of the season. Fantasy onwers should be as well.
Sep 2 2014Wacha (shoulder) will start Thursday against the Brewers, the St. Louis Post Dispatch's Rick Hummel reports.The Cardinals are surging and getting healthy at the right time, and Wacha's return should be a boon for St. Louis and fantasy owners alike. He posted a 2.79 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in 90.1 innings prior to landing on the DL with a shoulder injury in mid-June. The news comes as a bit of a surprise, since Wacha has only thrown two innings (34 pitches) in one rehab start Sunday with Double-A Springfield, but the Cards have good reason to rush him back with an important four-game series starting against division foe Milwaukee on Thursday. Manager Mike Matheny said Wacha's pitch count would be held in the 60-pitch range, so he won't stand a good chance of getting fantasy owners a win, but there's no reason to think he can't offer quality innings with more than a few strikeouts. Lefty Marco Gonzales figures to come in to work in long-relief if Wacha doesn't last long. Wacha will be replacing Justin Masterson in the Cardinals' rotation over the final month.
Aug 27 2014After tossing a rehab outing Sunday, Wacha (shoulder) could make his next start with the Cardinals, Chris Hrabe of KMOX St. Louis reports.Wacha is still building up his arm strength after recovering from a shoulder injury, and it sounds like the Cardinals want him to make a couple more starts in the minors. However, if none of their minor league affiliates reach postseason play, they may have no other choice but to have him pitch for the big club. Wacha's status should be firmed up once the minor league regular season comes to an end next week.
Aug 27 2014Wacha (shoulder) will make a rehab start Sunday for Double-A Springfield, Brian Stull of CBS Sports 920 AM St. Louis reports.Wacha followed up a 35-pitch bullpen session with a simulated outing Wednesday, his first live session since landing on the DL in late June. The right-hander has been cleared to start Springfield's second-to-last game of the season Sunday, and assuming the Cardinals still intend on returning him to the rotation, he'll likely need another sim game or two before being activated. In 15 starts for St. Louis this season, Wacha has posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
Aug 25 2014Wacha (shoulder) will move his rehab to Double-A Springfield, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha will first throw batting practice to Springfield's hitters on Wednesday, and could make a rehab start for the team over the weekend. The Cardinals should provide a clearer outline for his rehab schedule after he throws the batting practice session.
Aug 18 2014Wacha threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Monday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.Wacha tossed a mix of fastballs and changeups during the session at an estimated 75-to-80 percent effort. He's expected to increase the intensity of his throwing his next time out, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. The Cardinals have expressed a desire for Wacha to head out on a rehab assignment or simulated game before returning from the DL, likely at some point in early September.
Aug 16 2014Wacha (shoulder) threw off a mound Saturday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.Wacha cleared a major hurdle on his long road back from a shoulder injury Saturday, throwing off a mound for the first time in nearly two months. Even with the additions of John Lackey and Justin Masterson at the deadline, Wacha still seems likely to return as a starter, though GM John Mozeliak has not ruled out the possibility of Wacha stepping into a bullpen role once healthy.
Aug 5 2014Wacha (shoulder) resumed throwing Tuesday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports. "Right now, there is a lot of optimism," GM John Mozeliak said.For the first time since landing on the DL in late June, Wacha threw a baseball around Tuesday and it sounds like the session was a success. Clearly, Monday's MRI showed sufficient healing to the scapula in Wacha's right shoulder, and while he won't be eligible to return until early September, it sounds like the 23-year-old could return to the rotation for the final weeks of the regular season.
Jul 30 2014Wacha (shoulder) will undergo another MRI on Monday, and if the results are positive, he will begin a throwing program shortly thereafter, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha has been shut down for over a month now due to the shoulder injury, but it sounds like he could start back up with his throwing program as early as next week. GM John Mozeliak left the door open for Wacha to possibly return as a reliever, but went on to say "I have a feeling he'll come back as a starter." The Cardinals moved Wacha to the 60-day DL on Wednesday, making him ineligible to return until early September.
Jul 30 2014Wacha (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.Wacha last pitched June 17 and wasn't scheduled to return from the disabled list until early September, so the move to the 60-day DL doesn't do much to change his status. The transaction will allow the newly-acquired Justin Masterson to occupy a spot on the 40-man roster.
Jul 22 2014Wacha (shoulder) is targeting a return to the Cardinals' rotation in early-September, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.He plans to increase his strength exercises over the next two weeks and could be cleared for a throwing program in early-August. He has been nursing a stress reaction in his right shoulder since June 17, and at this point, owners in standard single-season leagues will need to consider parting ways with Wacha, as he won't be able to contribute many more innings to fantasy teams this season if he isn't coming back until September.
Jul 21 2014Wacha (shoulder) could be cleared to throw in approximately two weeks, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha underwent an MRI and CT scan on Monday, later stating that the results were "encouraging." He hasn't yet been cleared to begin throwing, but will be allowed to "ramp up" his pre-throwing program as early as Tuesday. Once actual throwing begins, the 23-year-old righty will need roughly three weeks before returning to a mound, and will likely require several rehab starts. He hasn't pitched since June 17 due to a stress reaction in his right scapula, but still hopes to be able to return and contribute before the end of the season. Despite Wacha's optimism, the extended absence is not news fantasy owners would like to hear, although they may have his services just in time for the playoffs.
Jul 20 2014Wacha (shoulder) will have an MRI Monday to see if he can begin a throwing program, MLB.com reports.Wacha is coming off of two weeks of rest to allow the shoulder to heal and if there's good news Monday he could be back in the rotation in early August.
Jul 7 2014Wacha (shoulder) will rest another two weeks before resuming throwing again, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha's MRI showed improvement following a stress reaction to the scapula in his right shoulder, but not quite as much progress as originally hoped, as the right-hander will spend at least another two weeks on the shelf. After the prescribed rest is up, the team will revisit the possibility of the 23-year-old beginning a throwing program. As it currently stands, Wacha likely won't be taking the hill for the Cardinals until well after the All-Star break, leaving Joe Kelly to man his spot in the rotation for the foreseeable future.
Jul 4 2014Wacha (shoulder) will undergo another MRI on Monday, Jim Hayes of FOX Sports Midwest reports.The Cardinals understandably want to keep taps on the healing in Wacha's shoulder, and they'll send him for another MRI to gauge his progress. Wacha was diagnosed with a stress reaction to the scapula in his shoulder, but there's concern that it could develop into a stress fracture without proper rest. There is no set timetable for the right-hander's return.
Jun 29 2014The Cardinals are unsure as to when Wacha (shoulder) will be able to return, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.The official diagnosis of his injury is a stress reaction to the scapula in his right shoulder, and the concern is that the injury could develop into a stress fracture without proper rest. According to team doctors, the healing process has already begun, but the unique nature of the injury adds a wrinkle in determining his likely return date. In baseball, the injury has only one documented case -- Arizona pitcher Brandon McCarthy -- making it even more difficult to map out the next steps for Wacha. Wacha will rest for two weeks before he has another series of tests on his shoulder. McCarthy had a stretch of four consecutive seasons from 2010-2013 where he missed time because of his shoulder, but it's understandably difficult to determine if Wacha's injury will follow a similar recurring pattern.
Jun 22 2014Wacha will end up on the disabled list with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss Sunday's start, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.Wacha had his start skipped apparently to preserve his arm. The team will be losing two pitchers to the disabled list, as Jaime Garcia is also dealing with a shoulder injury. Carlos Martinez will likely stay in the rotation to fill one of the spots, but who will take the other turn is unclear at this point.
Jun 20 2014Wacha, who will have his turn in the rotation skipped Sunday, is a candidate to have additional starts skipped down the road in an effort to preserve his arm, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha threw a total of 180.1 innings last season between the minors, majors and playoffs, after throwing just 21 minor-league innings over the entire 2012 campaign. It's no shock that Wacha has been experiencing a bit of fatigue lately, as he has a 4.24 ERA in June following sub-3.00 numbers in the previous two months. As a result, Sunday likely won't be the last time Wacha will have a scheduled start skipped, so fantasy owners contending in the second half should keep a watchful eye on the 22-year-old's usage.
Jun 19 2014Wacha will not start Sunday against the Phillies, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.The Cardinals are saying that the decision to skip Wacha is not injury-related, rather they just want to get the 22-year-old some additional rest. It makes sense, considering Wacha is currently on pace to exceed 200 innings, after tossing just 149.2 innings between Triple-A and the majors last season. Carlos Martinez will the toe the rubber in his place.
Jun 11 2014Wacha got the loss Wednesday versus the Rays after giving up four runs with zero strikeouts over five innings.Wacha was a little off all night. He allowed four hits and four walks and failed to strike out a batter. Wacha's record falls to 4-5 on the season with a 2.88 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 76 strikeouts. Wednesday was the first time in 13 starts that he allowed more than three runs. He'll try to regain his rhythm Tuesday against the Mets.
Jun 5 2014Wacha allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings to take the tough-luck loss Thursday.Wacha has been very good this year, especially recently, with five consecutive quality starts. With a 76:16 K:BB ratio in 79.1 innings, he's starting to look like one of the best young pitchers in the National League, and will try to carry that success into his next start at Tampa Bay.
May 31 2014Wacha struck out seven and did not walk a batter while holding the Giants to three hits over six shutout innings Saturday.Saturday's outing was mostly cruise control for Wacha, who effectively got ahead in the count and generated 19 of his 69 strikes by the swing-and-miss. Wacha's next scheduled start is lined up for Thursday in Kansas City against the Royals.
May 24 2014Wacha (elbow) threw without limitation Friday in a bullpen session and will start Monday, as scheduled, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha took a foul ball into the dugout off of his arm during Wednesday's start. It shouldn't affect his next outing.
May 22 2014Wacha (elbow) said Thursday that he's on track to make his next start, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.Wacha was cruising through Wednesday's turn against the Diamondbacks before he took a foul ball to the elbow while in the dugout and was removed from the game as a precaution. The right-hander seems to have brushed off any sort of injury concern, and he'll presumably remain on his usual pre-start schedule before taking the ball again Monday vs. the Yankees.
May 21 2014Wacha has a bruised right elbow, which caused a precautionary early exit from Wednesday's game, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha suffered a fluke injury, as he was hit in the elbow with a foul ball while in the dugout. It shouldn't be overly concerning, but the team should know more once they see the extent of the contusion Thursday. Wacha had been cruising through the Diamondbacks' lineup prior to exiting, allowing two hits and three walks with four strikeouts over six shutout innings. His pitch count was at 88, so he was likely nearing an exit anyway, but he'll be in line for the win if the game's 1-0 score holds. Consider him day-to-day while awaiting an announcement from the team.
May 16 2014Wacha held the Cubs to two runs on seven hits while striking out five across seven excellent innings to earn his third win of the season Thursday.Wacha has been excellent this season and hasn't shown any signs of a sophomore slump. The righty has a 2.82 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP to go with 62 strikeouts across 54.1 innings this season.
May 14 2014Wednesday's game against the Cubs has been postponed due to rain.Wacha was set to face off against the Cubs on Wednesday for the third time this season, but mother nature had other ideas. The Cards have yet to announce plans for Thursday, but Wacha will presumably toe the rubber in the series finale.
May 14 2014Wacha will start Thursday against the Cubs, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wednesday's game was postponed due to inclement weather but the Cards have decided against skipping anyone in the rotation, and will instead just move everyone (including Jaime Garcia) back a day. That means Wacha will face the Cubs in Thursday's series finale, his third start of the year against Chicago. In 12.1 innings against the Cubs, Wacha has allowed five runs on 10 hits and four walks while striking out 14.
May 9 2014Wacha allowed three runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out seven over five innings, but came away with a no-decision in a game the Cardinals dropped to Pittsburgh 6-4 Friday night.He continues to ring up strikeouts (he has 57 in 47.1 innings) and he has posted a very credible 2.85 ERA, but the Cardinals offense has not been all that supportive and his record is stuck at 2-3 on the season. He'll try to get back on the winning way with a favorable match-up against the Cubs in St. Louis next time out.
Apr 28 2014Wacha did not record a decision Monday against the Brewers as he pitched 6.1 innings and allowed three runs, eight hits and two walks to go along with nine strikeouts.Wacha continues to rack up strikeouts as he now has 44 in 36.1 innings this season. Although he is only 2-2, he has been an excellent fantasy option as he also has a 2.48 ERA and 1.13 WHIP.
Apr 18 2014Wacha worked seven solid innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out seven versus the Nationals Friday night.Wacha was certainly a tough-luck loser in this one, but the young hurler is undoubtedly delivering on his huge potential so far this season. Four starts into the campaign, he is 2-1 with an outstanding 1.73 ERA and 0.88 WHIP.
Apr 13 2014Wacha picked up his second win of the season Sunday against the Cubs, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out eight over 6.1 innings.Wacha's ERA declined to a still-tremendous 1.89 with the effort. The majority of the damage came on a Anthony Rizzo first-inning home run. Wacha settled down after the first and only needed 92 pitches to record 19 outs.
Apr 7 2014Wacha was strong again in his second start of the season, earning the win by tossing six inning os one-run ball Monday.The Reds hitters had more success against Wacha this time around than they had in his last start, but still could only manage a nearly empty seven hits. Wacha will look to keep up his hot start against the Cubs this weekend.
Apr 3 2014Wacha didn't allow a run over 6.2 innings in his 2014 debut, walking away with a no-decision. He struck out seven while giving up three hits and a walk.Both Wacha and his opposing number Tony Cingrani were superb Wednesday night. The Reds and Cardinals have combined for back-to-back 1-0 games to begin the season.
Mar 25 2014Wacha will open the season as the Cardinals number two starter, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Nothing too surprising here as he was expected to be the number two starter for St. Louis for months now. Wacha will try to build on his impressive rookie campaign.
Mar 14 2014Wacha will start Friday and be on a pitch count of 60, MLB.com reports.If Wacha pitches well he should be able to get four innings under his belt today. Expect the talented righty to slot in to the number two spot in the Cardinals rotation behind ace Adam Wainwright.
Feb 25 2014Wacha will not be under an innings limit for the 2014 season, the Associated Press reports.Wacha threw 180.1 innings last season between the minors and with the Cardinals, including his postseason innings. He may not be under any stated innings limit but expect his innings to still be managed to a degree. 200 innings is definitely a possibility, but if the Cardinals are in the postseason hunt it's hard to imagine Wacha going any more than that in the regular season.
Oct 22 2013Wacha will start Game 2 of the World Series, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.The NLCS MVP will take on John Lackey in Boston. The rookie is 3-0 with a 0.43 and 22:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 21 postseason innings.
Oct 10 2013Wacha will start Saturday's Game 2 of the NLCS, MLB.com reports.Coming off a masterful performance in Game 3 of the NLDS, Wacha is now set for his toughest test to date, against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers on Saturday. The 22-year-old has allowed just one run on two hits over his last 16 innings of work.
Oct 8 2013Wacha was brilliant for the second straight outing Monday, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning before surrendering a one-out home run to Pedro Alvarez. In total he went 7.1 innings and gave up just the solo home run while striking out nine and walking two.The 22-year old is here to stay, both in the Cardinals postseason and regular season rotation. Wacha is under team control through 2018.
Oct 4 2013Wacha is scheduled to start Game 4 of the NLDS against the Pirates, FOX Sports Midwest reports.Wacha is not guaranteed a start in the NLDS unless the Pirates win one of the first three contests, but if the series does go to a fourth game, it will be him taking the ball for the Cardinals.
Sep 26 2013Wacha may get one more start this season sometime this weekend if the Cardinals are still trying to lock up the division crown, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Wacha nearly landed a no-hitter his last time out and has been brilliant since being inserted back into the rotation at the beginning of September, posting a 1.72 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 31.1 innings.
Sep 25 2013Wacha (4-1) came within one out of a no-hitter Tuesday against Washington, but had to settle for 8.2 scoreless innings, one hit, two walks and nine strikeouts.The no-no was ruined by an infield single off the bat of Ryan Zimmerman, a bittersweet ending to an incredible outing. Most importantly, though, Wacha was able to iron out the issues that plagued him in his last two starts in a huge way, flashing that ace upside that made the Cardinals draft him in the first round out of Texas A&M last year and move him through the system quickly.
Sep 19 2013Wacha was battered for 12 hits over 4.2 innings Thursday, though he struck out seven and limited the damage to "just" four runs in what turned out to be a 15-inning loss.This was Wacha's worst outing since a six-run disaster against Arizona back on June 4, and yet he still managed to provide a small boost to his fantasy owners with the seven strikeouts. Adam Wainwright's clone has a bright future ahead of him.
Sep 14 2013Wacha allowed two runs over five innings and was the losing pitcher Saturday against the Mariners.He gave up four hits while walking four and striking out seven. The four walks over five innings is the concerning takeaway from the start, however the positive is that the walks did not come back to haunt him too much as he demonstrated an ability to get out of trouble he put himself in. The loss drops his record to 3-1 on the season to go along with a 2.81 ERA and 49 strikeouts.
Sep 8 2013Wacha improved to 3-0 Sunday as he gave up just two hits over seven scoreless innings against Pittsburgh.Wacha's ERA sits at 2.72 for the year, and he looks like he's here to stay in the rotation for the rest of the year as long as he stays healthy. The top prospect will face Seattle in his next start, in what should be a fairly favorable match up for him and the Cardinals.
Sep 5 2013Wacha will be able to throw 100 pitches in Sunday's start against the Pirates, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Manager Mike Matheny decided to take a conservative approach for Wacha on Tuesday against the Reds, as he was capped at 80 pitches after not having thrown more than 65 in an outing since Aug. 10. After shining through six innings against the Reds, he'll be given a longer leash in what amounts to a pivotal matchup against the NL Central-leading Pirates. After a rough go of things in his initial call-up to the big leagues, Wacha now owns a stellar 40:11 K/BB over 39.1 innings with the Cardinals.
Sep 3 2013Wacha pitched six shutout innings Tuesday, allowing just three hits and two walks with three strikeouts against the Reds.The game was in a scoreless tie after the sixth, so Wacha didn't pick up a win, despite dominating the Reds for six innings. He threw 80 pitches (50 strikes) and is slated to take the bump again Sunday against the Pirates. He has the pedigree and the stuff to be quite a weapon for fantasy owners as long as he's starting.
Sep 1 2013Wacha will start Tuesday against the Reds, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.The Cardinals will turn to Wacha on Tuesday, but it's uncertain whether or not the outing will be just another spot start for the right-hander. Wacha has been great in a starting role at Triple-A Memphis this season (2.65 ERA, 0.988 WHIP), but with the Cardinals now even with the Pirates in the NL Central, the team will likely have no choice but to move him back to the bullpen if he struggles.
Aug 29 2013Wacha was optioned to Double-A Springfield on Thursday, MLB.com reports.It seems to be just a short-term move with Wacha unavailable for the next few days after throwing four innings of relief Wednesday against the Reds. He figures to rejoin the Cardinals once rosters expand in September.
Aug 10 2013Wacha held the Cubs to two runs over five innings in what will be his last start for the immediate future.Wacha turned in a decent outing Saturday, and is now headed to the St. Louis bullpen. He figures to work in a middle-relief or setup role, but could be an option if the Cardinals need a long man or spot starter.
Aug 10 2013Wacha was officially recalled and will start Saturday against the Cubs.Furthermore, Wacha is expected to stick around for at least a little while, with Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch even saying Wacha "isn't going anywhere after Saturday." The 22-year-old experienced some growing pains in his first three major-league starts earlier this year, but he's been outstanding at Triple-A Memphis, with a 2.65 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP over 85 innings.
Aug 10 2013Wacha will be moved to the bullpen following Saturday's start against the Cubs, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports.Wacha will reportedly be used in high-leverage situations, but he's unlikely to see many (if any) save opportunities. He could be a candidate to join the starting rotation if the Cardinals have a need at some point.
Aug 9 2013Wacha is expected to remain in the rotation for at least a little while longer following Saturday's start, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.With Shelby Miller still recovering from an elbow contusion and innings counts racking up rapidly for Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn, the Cardinals will move to a de facto six-man rotation to give everybody an extra day of rest between starts. It's unclear how long the setup will last, but once Miller is determined to be fully healthy, it would seem either Wacha or another starter would become the odd man out.
Aug 8 2013Wacha will be recalled to start Saturday's game against the Cubs, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Although the Cardinals haven't said that Shelby Miller (elbow) would require a trip to the disabled list, the arrival of Wacha to an already crowded rotation could signal that such a move could be on the horizon. For now, Wacha can be penciled in for just the one start, and it should be a favorable one against a sinking Cubs squad that has lost nine of their last 11 games.
Jul 25 2013Wacha is a candidate to be recalled to start a game of a doubleheader Tuesday against the Pirates, MLB.com reports.Wacha has been working at Triple-A Memphis since being demoted after a stint in the major leagues earlier this season. In three July starts at Triple-A, he posted a 3.86 ERA, but did not earn a win over that stretch. He had mixed success in his first run with the Cardinals, but proved his abilities are ready for the big show. The other candidate to get the call for the Tuesday spot start is Tyler Lyons.
Jun 24 2013Wacha will have at least two of his turns through the Triple-A rotation skipped, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.The Cardinals are trying to manage Wacha's innings after he threw just 134.1 last year. They would also like to have him available this fall if necessary. Wacha has thrown 75.1 innings so far this season.
Jun 14 2013Wacha was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.Wacha rebounded from his ugly second start with six innings of two-run ball against the Mets on Tuesday, but he lost his spot on the roster Friday with Jake Westbrook (elbow) ready to come off the DL. The 21-year-old Wacha showed potential in his first cup of coffee in the majors, but he still has some fine tuning to do in the minors.
Jun 11 2013Wacha picked up his first win in the majors Tuesday, giving up two earned runs on five hits and three walks with four strikeouts over six innings against the Mets.After giving up a couple runs in the first inning, Wacha settled down and didn't issue a walk over his last five innings. In three big league starts, he has had one brilliant start, a rough start and Tuesday's solid outing, so nothing is guaranteed, but Wacha has the look of a guy who will have a great rookie campaign throughout the rest of the year. He'll certainly get a chance to pad some stats in his next start, Sunday in Miami against the light-hitting Marlins.
May 31 2013Wacha was stellar in his major league debut going seven innings and allowing one run on two hits while striking out six and not factoring in the decision on Thursday against the Royals.Wacha started the game by retiring the first 13 batters of the game and left the game in line for the win but a ninth inning rally by the Royals took that away. He has been mowing down the competition at Triple-A this season and looked equally as sharp in his debut in the big leagues. Wacha's next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Diamondbacks.
May 30 2013The Cardinals recalled Wacha from Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.Wacha, a top prospect who went 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA in nine starts with Memphis, will jump right into the Cardinals' rotation and start Thursday against the Royals. It's not clear how long Wacha will remain with the big club, but if he pitches anywhere close to as well as he did in the minors, it could be difficult for the Cardinals to send him back down.
May 28 2013Wacha will be called up by the Cardinals to make his MLB debut Thursday against the Royals.After a strong spring, the Cardinals opened Wacha at Triple-A Memphis, where he went 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA and a 34:15 K:BB over 52.2 innings (nine starts). He's been solid against lefties but has absolutely dominated right-handed hitters, holding them to a .151 average this season. A start against the struggling Royals should make for a very nice debut and confidence builder for the young righty.
May 27 2013Wacha, who had his Sunday start at Triple-A Memphis pushed back to Monday, has now been scratched from Monday's start, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.His consecutive scratches should only further fuel speculation that he'll be joining the Cardinals rotation to make his MLB debut Thursday against the Royals. Wacha has posted a 2.05 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over nine starts at Triple-A Memphis and could be one of the top young arms to reach the big leagues this season.
May 26 2013Wacha was scratched from Sunday's start with Triple-A Memphis, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.With no immediate explanation given for why he was scratched, there's a good possibility the Cardinals made the move so he could fill the opening in the rotation Thursday against the Royals. John Gast left Saturday's start with shoulder tightness and could require a DL stint, potentially opening the door for Wacha - whom many scouts consider the best of the Cardinals' talented pitching prospects - to make his big league debut.
May 19 2013Wacha will not be called up to start on Wednesday in place of injured Jaime Garcia, Derek Goold is reportingMany speculated that Wacha would get the nod, but the Cardinals will instead turn to Tyler Lyons. It seems the Cardinals want Wacha to get a bit more seasoning at Triple-A. It's possible they want to wait for a more permanent role to open for Wacha.
Apr 30 2013Wacha may be further from a call-up than what many believe, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said "pitching in pro baseball is new to (Wacha)," downplaying any possible speculation that he may be called up to address the Cardinals bullpen problems.
Apr 24 2013Wacha continued his domination of Triple-A hitters Tuesday, going seven innings, striking out six, and giving up one run on three hits and two walks.Wacha now has a 1.96 ERA across 23 innings for Memphis. However, the Cardinals' major-league staff is so deep that we're unlikely to see him until September, barring injuries or a trade.
Mar 14 2013Wacha was reassigned to minor-league camp on Thursday.Wacha had an impressive spring, especially considering he was drafted (albeit in the first round) just last year. He cruised through the Grapefruit League, not allowing an earned run. In five games, he went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and one walk through 11.2 innings pitched. It is unclear whether he will begin at Double-A or Triple-A, but he is on the fast track to be pitching in Busch Stadium, maybe as soon as sometime in 2013.
Mar 2 2013Wacha has an 8:0 K:BB ratio with two hits allowed over his first five innings this spring.The limited work Wacha has been given as a professional has led to very impressive results. Drafted 19th overall in June from Texas A&M, he may move very quickly through the Cards' talent-laden system.