Wacha fired three scoreless frames in Friday's 2-1 extra-inning Grapefruit League win over the Nationals, surrendering three hits and one walk. He struck out two.
Taking the hill for the second time this spring-- and on three days' rest -- Wacha turned in another encouraging effort, and has now given up just one unearned run over five innings overall. Particularly encouraging Friday was the fact that the right-hander faced a Nationals lineup that included Trea Turner, Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper as its first three hitters. Wacha threw 48 pitches overall, 32 of which found the strike zone, and utilized both his fastball and changeup with success. Battling to secure the fifth spot in the rotation, the 25-year-old has made a solid case thus far, and will look to work up to four innings in his next start.