Michael Wacha could start rehab assignment this weekend

To the frustration of the rest of the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals are always playoff contenders. If ever there was going to be a season that the Cardinals fell off and gave way to a different team, however, it would be the season in which they lost their star catcher and young starting pitcher for extended periods of time due to injury, right?

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Wrong.

With a victory on Monday night, the Cardinals find themselves just one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the National League Central. As if that weren’t enough, Yadier Molina is reportedly on track to return to the lineup soon, possibly before the end of the month, and Michael Wacha could start a rehab assignment this weekend.

Jenifer Langosch reports the following about Wacha’s status:

"Wacha, who was shut down with a right shoulder stress reaction after his June 17 start, has been throwing off the mound at Busch Stadium every two-to-three days since Aug. 16. He’ll need at least one rehab start against Minor League competition before returning to St. Louis. If all goes well on Wednesday, that start could come as early as the weekend."

The memories of Wacha’s heroics in the 2013 post-season are still fresh in people’s minds, but his performance to date in 2014 thus far warrants attention as well. In 15 starts Wacha has gone 5-5 with a tiny 2.79 ERA. Had it not been for this shoulder injury, he was well on track for an outstanding season at the top of the St. Louis rotation behind Adam Wainwright.

Molina will be back soon. Wacha will be back soon. The Cardinals will be back in the playoff picture soon once again.