Writer’s Note: This column was written without detailed knowledge of Wacha’s May 29 start in Milwaukee.
In Michael Wacha’s four starts prior to Tuesday’s battle in Milwaukee, shying away from usage of his four-seam fastball has been the norm. 37 percent usage represents an 11 percent drop from Wacha’s first six starts. The righty has never had a stretch of games in the entirety of his regular season career where his fastball usage stayed below 45 percent in back-to-back starts. Wacha’s fastball usage was below 45 percent for four consecutive starts heading into Tuesday.