Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that right-handed ace Michael Wacha will return from the 15-day IL to make his scheduled start against the Mariners on Friday.
Michael Wacha Injury Update
Wacha was retroactively placed on the IL on May 8 with left intercostal irritation, or irritation of the muscles beneath his ribs. Friday is the first day he is eligible to return, which is a good sign that the ailment won't linger.
Wacha hasn't pitched since May 3 but before the absence was one of the most effective starters in the AL. The 30-year-old righty has allowed only four earned runs, good for an ERA of 1.38, with a 0.923 WHIP and 19 strikeouts across 26 IP.
Boston is 15-22 and fourth in the AL East, but holds a 4-1 record in games that Wacha has started this season.
The 6'6" ace has been even more impressive at Fenway Park, where he will be playing tomorrow, going 2-0 with zero earned runs and only four hits in two starts.
