The Cardinals confirmed Tuesday what has been the topic of discussion for days: Top pitching prospect Michael Wacha will get the call to start Thursday's game against the Royals.
Wacha was pulled from his last start at Triple-A Memphis Sunday and will be well rested when he makes his major-league debut. Wacha was Baseball America's No. 76 prospect entering the season, and has allowed just 12 runs in 52 2/3 innings at Triple-A.
Wacha joins the major-league squad after just 73 2/3 minor-league innings, which he had more strikeouts (74) than hits allowed (43).