Cardinals starter Michael Wacha feels 'great' after bullpen session

Cardinals starter Michael Wacha tossed a light bullpen session on Saturday and said his arm "felt great."

Cardinals starter Michael Wacha tossed a light bullpen session on Saturday and said his arm "felt great," according to Rick Hummel's report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Sunday.

The 23-year-old hadn't thrown off a mound since his June 17 start due to a stress reaction in his throwing shoulder.

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"It was 30 pitches. Pretty light throws, but I'm happy with it," Wacha said, according to Hummel. "It's always good to get a new milestone. It's one of those deals [that] whenever you're cleared to throw, it's a big day for you.  I know it's still a long road to go."

Wacha was 5-5 with a 2.79 ERA in 15 starts before the injury. He burst on the scene last season, going 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in 15 regular-season appearances (nine starts), and then going 4-1 with a 2.64 ERA in five postseason starts, including a win in Game 2 of the World Series.

Wacha said he threw four or five changeups and about 25 fastballs.

"I'd imagine I'd be back on the mound in two to three days," he said.

- Chris Mascaro