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So far throughout the 2023 season for the San Diego Padres, there hasn’t been too many bright spots. The team has been wildly inconsistent with their play, and it has resulted in them falling down in the standings. 

San Diego has gotten some stellar performances from unexpected places within their pitching staff, and it has helped everything stay together. The Friars are led by Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, but pitchers Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo have stepped up in big ways.

Wacha has especially been impressive for San Diego. On the season he holds an ERA of 2.84 on the season and has a WHIP of 1.07. Wacha has also added in 73 strikeouts over 85.2 innings of work.

Unfortunately for the Padres, Wacha has been out since early July due to injury, and it seems that he is still a ways away from returning.

“Starting pitcher Michael Wacha is expected to play catch for the first time since going on the injured list with shoulder “inflammation.” Given his need to build up, including throwing at least couple bullpen sessions, Wacha’s return is almost certainly a couple weeks (or more) away.”

Per The SD Union-Tribune

As the Padres try to make up ground in the standings, they will certainly need their guys back. Wacha was a surprise this season and has turned into one of the more valuable members of the pitching staff.

If he can come back sooner rather than later, it would give this team a major boost. Here’s to hoping that he gets back onto the mound quickly and can stay healthy when he does finally return.