Roto Roundup: Michael Wacha, Stephen Strasburg and Others

If you have any fantasy baseball questions, make sure you post them in the comments section of the Roundup.

Michael Wacha: Cardinals will make decision on Tuesday

The wait for Michael Wacha's call up may finally be over. We should learn in the next 24-36 hours whether Wacha will be recalled to start on Thursday. This from Rick Hummel at the St. Louis Post Dispatch:

Wacha was scratched from a scheduled start Sunday at Memphis. But Matheny said the organization wanted to keep an eye on Wacha’s innings count in his first full pro season. He has thrown 52 2/3 innings in nine starts, with a 4-0 record and a 2.05 earned-run average.

What is known is that general manager John Mozeliak will meet the team in Kansas City today and Mozeliak said a decision on Thursday’s starter would be made Tuesday.

If called up, Wacha would be making his first major league start vs the Royals in St. Louis. Prior to the 2013 season, Wacha had thrown just 21 innings across three levels, so he could be on an innings limit this season.

Stephen Strasburg goes eight strong innings

Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg has pitched well this season, but has not been given much run support in the process, winning just two games heading into his Sunday start. Strasburg tossed eight innings of one-run ball to out-duel Phillies ace Cole Hamels. Strasburg gave up one run on five hits, no walks and nine strikeouts. Strasburg got 22 of the 24 outs via the ground ball (13) or the strikeout (9) to win his third game of the season. Strasburg is now 3-5 with a 2.49 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and a 71-21 strikeout to walk rate in 72.1 innings. He has gone eight innings in two of his last three starts, and has gone seven or more innings in five of his last seven starts, so he is going deeper in games this season.

Round'em Up

The Cardinals optioned Carlos Martinez to the minors this morning, so there is no chance he will be in line to start in place of John Gast on Thursday, but I wonder if they will stretch him out again in AAA so he can start should Michael Wacha struggle once he is called up. Yes, I think Wacha will be called up.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was replaced for a pinch runner in the seventh inning of Sunday's game, and was seen limping in the game. His left knee is apparently an issue, so he could miss a game or two this week.

Closer Roundup

Indians closer Chris Perez left his appearance with a pain in his shoulder after giving up four runs on two hits and three walks in the Indians 6-5 loss to the Red Sox. Perez was placed on the 15 day DL this morning, so go out and grab Joe Smith or Cody Allen off of your league waiver wire until Vinnie Pestano returns from the DL.

Update: Indians manager Terry Francona announced today that Vinnie Pestano would get first shot at save opportunities with Perez on the DL.

Orioles closer Jim Johnson blew his fourth save of the season yesterday, giving up four runs on four hits and a walk in the Orioles 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays. For now, I think Johnson will keep the closer role, but he has blow four of his last five save opportunities, so manager Buck Showalter could look to make a change at some point. Darren O'Day is probably first in line for saves should a change be made.

Sorry for the short Roundup today, but I have some running around to do today and a 2pm barbeque to attend. Enjoy your Memorial Day and make sure you think about those who protect our fine country every day. Without them, our lives might be different today.