Wacha right at home with 'feel' pitch in SD debut

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- An unconventional offseason has morphed into the normalcy of Spring Training for right-hander Michael Wacha.

Wacha made his debut in a Padres uniform on Thursday afternoon, giving up three hits and two unearned runs in a 6-4 victory over the Guardians. He struck out three without a walk. His changeup appeared to be in top form, which may be the most encouraging sign.

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Wacha’s mid-70s changeup has consistently graded out as the most effective pitch in his four-pitch mix, and it helped Wacha to an 11-2 record with Boston in 2022.

“The changeup was dancing out there, for the most part,” Wacha said. “Flashed some really good stuff there at times. Definitely some stuff I have to clean up. Fastball command, I know I can be a little bit better with that, for sure. Just a little bit sharper with some of the breaking stuff, as well. Some of it got a little loopy.

“Overall, felt good. Arm and body feel good.”

Wacha signed a creative four-year, $26 million contract that includes options on both sides just before camp opened, but he said he believes he is in a great spot as the spring progresses.

Wacha threw two live sessions on the back fields before his Cactus League appearance Thursday. His progression likely will include a four-inning appearance his next time out, and there is time for four more outings before the regular season begins March 30.

“I feel like right on schedule to be ready for Opening Day, or whenever that first start is,” Wacha said.

Wacha gave up three singles, and the only trouble came after he dropped a throw while covering first base in the second inning. The next two Guardians singled, bringing in one run, and a second scored when Wacha got a double-play grounder from Tyler Freeman.

“If I would have caught it clean the first time, obviously, but I thought I made a decent recovery and was able to still get it.” Wacha said.

Wacha faced All-Star José Ramírez twice and both times induced soft contact. Ramírez hit a looping single over shortstop in the first inning and a soft flyout to center field on a 92 mph fastball to end the third.

“Used all his pitches,” Padres manager Bob Melvin said. “Pitched up, pitched down, used his changeup. All good.”

Azocar goes deep
José Azocar is a candidate to start in right field while Fernando Tatis Jr. serves the remainder of the 80-game PED suspension that will keep him out until April 20. Azocar looked prepared for the part Thursday. He hit a two-run homer to left-center field in the fifth inning, part of a three-hit, two-RBI day. He also had a pair of singles and scored twice.

The power comes from a conscious attempt to adjust his offensive approach.

“I’m standing up a little more now, using my bottom half, my legs,” said Azocar, who started in center field on Thursday. The game right now is not just about putting the ball in play. It is about driving the ball to the gaps, hitting homers and being able to run the bases, too.”

Azocar had a slash line of .257/.298/.332 in 98 games with no homers and five stolen bases as a rookie last season.

“We’ll probably see a few more go, because he definitely has the power to do it,” Melvin said. “It was more intrinsic things before. He could steal a base for you, play good outfield. He’s way more comfortable now, and you’re seeing what he could do.”