Padres News: New Friar Michael Wacha Loves the Idea of a 6 Man Rotation

The veteran pitcher is already on board with San Diego's vision.

The Padres were able to address almost all of their questions this past offseason including bringing in more infield power, locking in players that have proven their worth to the franchise, and most recently bringing together a set starting rotation.

By signing Michael Wacha to a four-year deal with multiple team and player options in the fine print, San Diego is taking a chance on a former All-Star that posted a 3.32 ERA and went 11-2 in matches that he was started last season. Wacha joined San Diego in order to hopefully fulfill his desires to make a deep postseason run and capture his first World Series title.

Wacha spoke to media at Spring Training and shared his opinion on how a six-man pitching rotation with himself could potentially look this year and be beneficial as a whole.

"I think it's a really good idea. If you've got the arms to be able to do it, I think it could work out well for guys to stay healthier throughout the year," said Wacha."Give guys a little bit extra break in between and let you recover a little bit more with that extra day because that extra day does go a long way as a starter. So, I think it definitely will have a positive impact on a lot of pitchers."

Michael Wacha on the potential of the Padres using a 6-man rotation: “I think it’s a really good idea.” pic.twitter.com/ey1vdxaMIu

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 16, 2023

Wacha is talented enough to sustain the weight of being the fourth or fifth man in the rotation, only behind Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell. Prior to his signing, team manager Bob Melvin was debating which direction to go in. He mentioned that they would most likely use Spring Training as auditions for that sixth spot.

However, San Diego's front office has struck once again in free agency and strengthened their brewing championship contender. Wacha is all on board with their plan and believes his teammates will only prosper from it.

Friars fans took to Twitter and shared their positive reactions to the news.

It looks like they’ll move to a six man rotation. Most of these guys stand to benefit from a decreased workload https://t.co/kUW361gq3W

— old school (@updawg77) February 14, 2023

Gotta live this! Nothing in a six man rotation that would have you go into a game feeling you are the underdog! https://t.co/CoJrlKG4hl

— Michael Arndt 🟧 (@MJA_DHO) February 14, 2023