Cards want Wacha to solidify rotation spot

ST. LOUIS — Despite questions about how a recurring stress reaction right shoulder injury might restrict Michael Wacha from carrying a starting pitcher’s workload in the future, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed on Wednesday that the organization still views him as a starter heading into 2017.

Wacha headed to his home in Texas with a revised offseason workout plan, which will focus heavily on adding muscle to his upper body. The Cardinals believe that will reduce durability concerns and better protect his shoulder from additional structural issues.

“As he came into the league, you could almost envision 15-20 more pounds of muscle as he would just mature,” manager Mike Matheny said. “As you start to look for some compensation and where there might be weaknesses, how can he build up some parts of his body muscularly that will help support maybe the arm and the demand that comes with being a starting pitcher?”

Wacha made 23 starts before landing on the disabled list with the same right shoulder injury that cost him part of his 2014 season. He returned to pitch in relief and made one brief, ineffective start. Wacha finished the season with a 5.09 ERA over 138 innings.

“When his health is right, you’re seeing the right arm action,” Matheny said. “The next step is going to be the one that’s missing right now. That’s consistency in the strike zone. He’s a rare talent that we need to figure out how to get into a consistent spot.”

Might Moss be back?

As Brandon Moss prepares to become a free agent for the first time, the Cardinals continue to evaluate whether he could have a fit on their club in 2017. Moss ranked second on the team with 28 home runs, but he also …

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