Cards Could Move Wacha Up One Day, Reds’ Frazier Slumping
Following an 18-inning 3-1 loss at home on Sunday versus the New York Mets, Mike Matheny the St. Louis Cardinals manager would not make a commitment to the thought of moving up Michael Wacha as the starter to open an interleague series versus the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.
However, a possible Option B does not look to be in the works. Carlos Martinez, the scheduled starter worked the final four innings on Sunday in relief and suffered the loss. There is no way he would be able to come back for a start on a single day’s rest.
In addition, Wacha has not pitched for the Cards since July 8, therefore he is well rested. Monday’s day off would give the team the opportunity to move starter Lance Lynn into Wednesday night’s start with normal rest.
The Cardinals have worked to find ways in which to saving innings for their right-handers Lynn and Wacha. That is why St. Louis has them No. 4 and No. 5 in the rotation following the break for the All-Star Game, giving them close to two weeks between starts.
Privately, St. Louis team officials were pleased that Bruce Bochy the National League All-Star manager did not use Wacha or Martinez in the game last Tuesday gifting each extra rest prior to what looks to be a hard fought late season battle with Pittsburgh to win their third consecutive NL Central title.
Todd Frazier is going through a slump and that might serve as an affirmation for those who have the opinion the Home Run Derby during All-Star week impacts adversely the swings of its participants.
The third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds took 36 swings on average in each round in his Derby win over Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers last week.
He took a lot of swings said Bryan Price his manager and they were not swings trying to hit a single to right field.
The truth is the struggles for Frazier at the plate started before the All-Star break.
Since June 25, Frazier’s batting averages dipped to .276 from .294. He has not hit a home run in a game since June 28.
His manager said the demands of baseball’s All-Star Week helped him to decide to hold Frazier out of his starting lineup on Sunday for only the second time all season.
Frazier was a pinch-hitter during the fifth inning in the Reds 11-inning loss to Cleveland 5-3. He struck out and is 0-10 since returning from the break. After 4 hits in 5 at bats July 4, Frazier has 6 hits in his past 37 at bats.
Despite this recent slide, Frazier is still on pace to hit 46 home runs, knock in 104 runs and record 46 doubles. He could become the first Reds player in the history of the franchise to hit 40 home runs and 40 double in the same season.
