Michael Wacha Crushed By The Twins
Michael Wacha (2-4) allowed seven earned runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out five across five innings during Saturday's 12-0 loss to the Twins. He was hurt by the long ball and surrendered home runs to Max Kepler and Luis Arraez. The Twins tacked on seven runs off Wacha in the first three innings before he was able to finally settle down by retiring six of the last seven batters he faced before exiting. Wacha threw 92 pitches, landing 63 for strikes. The 30-year-old has been hit hard over his previous three starts, owning an 11.57 ERA, 2.50 WHIP, and a 10:5 K: BB across 14 innings. Wacha will look for better results in Thursday's home start against the Baltimore Orioles. Fantasy managers should avoid using Wacha as a streamer until he's able to turn things around.
Source: MLB
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Source: MLB
Michael Wacha Spins Six Shutout Innings
Michael Wacha threw six strong innings on Saturday night, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out six Astros to earn his first victory of the season. He lowered his ERA to 3.38 and his FIP to 4.20 in his five starts for Kansas City. It was a close game throughout since Framber Valdez gave up just two runs, but Wacha was even sharper, never allowing a runner to reach third base. The win moves the Royals back to .500 on the season at 14-14 and 11-4 at home. Wacha will look to build on this win in his next start, which is currently scheduled for next Friday night on the road in Baltimore.
Source: ESPN.com
Kansas City Royals Starting Pitcher Source: ESPN.com
Michael Wacha, Royals Agree To Three-Year Deal
Michael Wacha agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal on Sunday, according to sources. The deal to keep Wacha in town includes a club option and can max out at four years and $72 million. The 33-year-old veteran and former first-rounder was a big reason why the Royals surprised with a playoff appearance in 2024 and advanced to the American League Division Series before losing to the New York Yankees. He was fully expected to decline his $16 million player option for 2025 after going 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 145 strikeouts in 166 2/3 innings in his 29 regular-season starts. Wacha has pitched pretty well the last three seasons with the Royals, Padres and Red Sox when he's managed to stay healthy. However, he's had issues avoiding the injury bug in the past and doesn't miss as many bats as fantasy managers would like.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
The Kansas City Royals and right-hander Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Michael Wacha To Start Game 4 Against Yankees
Michael Wacha will start Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium against the New York Yankees. Wacha will be hoping to bounce back against the Yankees at home this time after allowing three earned runs on four hits while walking three and striking out three in four innings in Game 1 on Saturday in the Bronx in a no-decision. The 33-year-old veteran was better at home in 2024 with the Royals, sporting a 2.89 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 68 strikeouts and 19 walks in 14 innings at Kauffman Stadium, as opposed to a 3.78 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 15 starts on the road. Wacha has struggled in the playoffs in his career, though, posting a 5.36 ERA with nine home runs allowed in nine appearances (seven starts).
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro announced on Tuesday that veteran right-hander Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Michael Wacha To Start Game 1 Of ALDS
Michael Wacha has been tabbed to start Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Left-hander Cole Ragans, who dealt with cramping in his calf in his outing against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of the wild-card series on Tuesday, is lined up to start in Game 2 on Monday. Wacha will be opposed by Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. The 33-year-old veteran was solid for the third straight season in his first year with the Royals in 2024, going 13-8 with a 3.35 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and a 145:45 K:BB in 166 2/3 innings and 29 starts. He's not overpowering but continues to limit hard contact and pitch deep into games. Wacha did not face the Yankees at all this season but wasn't as good on the road, with a 3.78 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, 77 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings over 15 starts away from Kauffman Stadium. Wacha won't be a priority DFS sleeper for Saturday's Division Series slate.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Kansas City Royals right-hander Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Read More News