Thursday, 4 a.m.
With the major league trade deadline just ahead, there is a question the Tampa Bay Rays need to ask themselves a question.
Just whose idea was it to let Michael Wacha walk?
Wacha, who won just three games for the Rays in 2021, and whose departure raised very few eyebrows at the time, came back to haunt the Rays on Wednesday night. Wacha threw six innings and allowed just two hits and one earned run in the Rays 4-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
Content beyond this point is for members only.
Already a member? To view the rest of this column, sign in using the handy "Sign In" button located in the upper right corner of the GarySheltonSports.com blog (it's at the far right of the navigation bar under Gary's photo). Not a member? It's easy to subscribe so you can view the rest of this column and all other premium content on GarySheltonSports.com.
Wacha, who rebounded with 11 wins for Boston the year after he left, and 14 wins in 2023, gave up a first-inning home run to Isaac Paredes and , struck out six batters.
The Rays tried to get something going against the Kansas City bullpen, but centerfielder Kyle Isbel made a highlight reel catch on a deep fly by Tyler Walls. The Rays had just five hits overall, and were one-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
The Royals scored twice in the seventh on a soft single by Salvator Perez off of reliever Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong has struggled lately, giving up 10 earned runs in his last four games.
Ryan Pepiot lasted just four innings as he started the game. He gave up four hits and walked three and struck out none.
The Rays’ second run came on eighth inning doubles by Randy Arozarena and Amed Rosario.
The teams conclude their three-game series tonight at 8:10 p.m. Zach Eflin will start for the Rays against Alec Marsh.