Padres Injury News: Michael Wacha Closing in on Return to Starting Rotation

How will his return change things for San Diego?

As the Padres continue their run to the postseason, they should be getting a big piece back to their rotation soon. Starting pitcher Michael Wacha looks ready to get back to work and is scheduled to make a start on Tuesday of next week, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune

Wacha has been out for quite some time, dealing with a shoulder injury. His return will be a welcomed site for the Padres as they look to make a last-ditch effort toward the playoffs.

During his time off, Wacha worked on building up his strength and endurance to hopefully avoid another injury down the line. 

“It’s kind of like building up in spring training,” Wacha said. “It’s kind of like building up for the season type of deal where each one get a little bit more soreness because you’re ramping the intensity, increasing the pitch count, the innings, the ups and downs. So bouncing back and feeling good today, I was really excited about it.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

Wacha threw pitches to batters in a simulated game this week at the Padres complex in Peoria, Arizona. He gave his thoughts on how it went. 

“It went well,” Wacha said Friday afternoon. “Bounced back good today.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

Getting Wacha back should help this club. He was one of the better starters for the team before the injury. 

On the year, he holds a record of 8-2 with a 2.84 ERA. The team has also gone 10-5 in the games that he starts, so he could be a key contributor to their playoff push. 

“That’s the plan,” Wacha said. “Come back, pick up where we left off and make a push right here in the last month-and-a-half is what I’m visualizing.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

If he can come back and perform as he did before the injury, the Padres will be in good shape. Wacha is a veteran pitcher as well, who knows how to win ballgames.

This is great news for the Padres, and we hope Wacha can sustain his availability on the mound. We wish him luck and can't wait to see him back out there this week.