MLB Aces Of The Day For Saturday, Aug. 20

Expect these guys to dominate opposing offenses

By Matthew Horner – Aug 20, 2022, 1:08pm

Michael Wacha (2.44 ERA), Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

What a turnaround it has been for both the Baltimore Orioles and Michael Wacha. Baltimore was the worst team in baseball in 2021, a total dumpster fire that looked hopeless from the get-go, but all that has changed in 2022. The O's have mustered up a winning record, and a re even competing for a Wild Card berth this year. The whole mentality and complexion of the team has flipped, and they now have the belief in themselves that they can get the job done, even if their front office doesn't seem to want them to by trading away their best player in Trey Mancini at the deadline.

Wacha is a great story. In 2021, he had an inflated 5.05 ERA and was getting destroyed off the barrel night in and night out. This season? He's been nothing short of electric, and that showed in his last outing against the New York Yankees. He earned the win, allowing zero runs on two hits and one walk over seven innings, striking out an impressive nine batters. Wacha has been great this season with a 2.44 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, which is backed up by his xERA of 2.69, but interestingly he holds a 4.30 xFIP. This will be his second start after being activated off the IL.

M ORE: BEST MLB GAMES OF THE DAY
  
Read Full Article