Cards recall RHP Michael Wacha from Memphis
Pitcher Carlos Martinez optioned to Triple-A club
ST. LOUIS, MO. – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha from Memphis and optioned right-handed pitcher Carlos Martinez to the Triple-A club. Wacha is slated to start tonight’s (6:15 p.m. CDT) game against the Chicago Cubs.
Wacha, 22, will be making his fourth start of the season for St. Louis. The rookie hurler was 1-0 with a 4.58 ERA in three starts (17.2 IP with 14 strikeouts) earlier this year, posting his first Major League win on June 11 at the New York Mets.
Wacha, the Cardinals 1st round draft selection (19th player overall) in 2012, made his big league debut on May 30 vs. Kansas City, allowing just one run on two hits in 7.0 innings pitched. He took a no-decision in the Cardinals 14-inning loss to Arizona on June 4.
At Memphis, Wacha has compiled a 5-3 mark with a 2.65 ERA in 15 games started. He has held the opposition to a .210 batting average and walked just 19 in 85.0 innings while striking out 73. He worked 5.0 innings and struck out six in his most recent start (Sunday, Aug. 4 vs. Las Vegas).
Martinez, 21, made his first Major League start on Thursday (Aug. 8) vs. the Dodgers – the 36th game started by a Cardinals rookie pitcher this season.
Wacha wears uniform # 52.