Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Prepares For Start Against Former Team originally appeared on NESN.
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One of several formerBoston Red Sox pitchers flourishing this season will oppose his old club.
The Red Sox will attempt to complete a three-game sweep over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Michael Wacha can thwart those plans when he takes the mound at Kauffman Stadium.
On Tuesday, Wacha spoke to NESN’s Jahmai Webster about his upcoming matchup against Boston.
“You prepare the same way that you do with any other club that you’re going against,” Wacha said. “But you got some familiar faces over there, which is always cool to see. But yeah, I would say just try to approach it like any other game.”
On the bump tonight for the Royals: former #RedSox pitcher Michael Wacha 🥹 👋
Last night, @WebsterOnTV asked him about facing the Sox: “You prepare the same way… got some familiar faces over there, which always is cool to see.” pic.twitter.com/PkUfLhLRcZ
— NESN (@NESN) May 20, 2026
Wacha’s career was sputtering before he enjoyed a revival with the Red Sox in 2022. The right-hander registered a 3.32 ERA in 23 starts on a one-year, $7 million deal.
Wacha has remained one of MLB’s most reliable starters ever since. He posted a 3.22 ERA with the San Diego Padres in 2023 and boasts a 3.49 ERA in 69 ensuing starts for the Royals.
The 34-year-old is still going strong with a 2.83 ERA and 0.99 WHIP this season. Wacha has continued to evolve and harness his pitching portfolio to stay sharp.
“Just constantly learning. You got to adapt in this game,” Wacha said. “I’ve added pitches to the repertoire, kind of changed the usage around in the repertoire. Kind of just going year by year with those sorts of things of what I need to add or subtract … But the work never stops.”
The Red Sox will try to prevent Wacha from earning his fourth straight quality start when concluding their series with the Royals. Wednesday’s game begins at 7:40 p.m. ET on NESN.
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