Even in defeat, Royals’ Michael Wacha reached major career milestone Sunday
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- Michael Wacha became the 10th active pitcher to reach 300 starts on Sunday.
- Wacha allowed six runs and issued four walks in five innings and took the loss.
- The Royals fell to 22-37 and have lost six consecutive games.
Kansas City Royals starter Michael Wacha reached a career milestone against the Texas Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
Wacha, 34, became the 10th active pitcher to reach 300 starts. He joined Justin Verlander (556), Max Scherzer (479), Jose Quintana (366), Patrick Corbin (364), Sonny Gray (340), Kevin Gausman (334), Chris Sale (323), Gerrit Cole (319) and Nathan Eovaldi (308).
“Definitely knew about it coming into it,” Wacha said. “You know, it stings right now for sure, but it’ll be something that I look back on and kind of reminisce. It’s kind of crazy that it’s been 300. Doesn’t seem like it. So, it’s been a lot of fun and flown by.”
Wacha took the loss against the Texas Rangers on Sunday. He allowed six runs in five innings and issued four walks. The Rangers scored four runs in the first inning after Wacha issued a two-out walk to Jake Burger.
The Royals never recovered. KC fell to 22-37 and has now lost six consecutive games. The club will continue a 10-game road trip in Cincinnati on Monday night.
“Definitely a frustrating one on my end,” Wacha said.
Still, Wacha has been a model of consistency for the Royals. He takes the baseball every fifth day and finds a way to post quality starts. The Royals trust his leadership as he offers advice to the entire pitching staff.
“The biggest thing I think about is the attitude he brings every day,” Royals starter Seth Lugo said. “You know, I’ve been with him since back in 2020 with the (New York) Mets. He was banged up in 2023. I mean, whether he is doing good, doing bad, hurt, healthy, he is the same person every day. You know, quality teammate and one of my best friends. So that’s the first thing that comes to my mind.”
Wacha was among seven American League pitchers to work at least five innings or more in their first 11 starts. He added to his totals on Sunday despite the Royals dropping five of his six road starts this season.
“I think I’ve said a bunch of times, he’s the best starting pitcher teammate I’ve ever seen,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, he’s into every single pitch in the dugout when he is not pitching. He’s extremely intense and into his starts, obviously, and he prepares as well as possible. He’s the consummate pro.”
Wacha loves pitching for the Royals and is hopeful to continue making starts as his career continues to unfold.
“Just love this game,” Wacha said. “And I love competing out there on the mound. You know, I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
