St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha left Wednesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning and was diagnosed with right shoulder tightness.
Wacha had two early strikeouts, but he appeared to be laboring with two runs allowed on four hits and a pair of walks, while recording just five outs.
Although he has been used sparingly of late, Wacha has been a key contributor to the Cardinals’ push for a National League Central title. St. Louis opened play Wednesday with a 90-68 record and a 2 1/2-game lead on the second-place Milwaukee Brewers.
Wacha has not gone more than five innings in four September starts, but he does have a 1.80 ERA over his last 15 innings. Since getting roughed up by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 5 in his return to the starting rotation, the veteran has a 2.52 ERA over eight starts.
The Cardinals have moved Wacha to the bullpen twice this season because of struggles. He is 6-7 in 28 appearances (23 starts) and has a 4.76 ERA, the second highest in his career in a season behind the 5.09 mark he posted in 2016.