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MLB 2017: One X-factor for each team

By Brad Berreman

September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport
September 7, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) runs after he hits a solo home run in the sixth inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sport /
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Mandatory Credit: Billie Weiss-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Billie Weiss-Getty Images /

St. Louis Cardinals: SP Michael Wacha

For the second time in three seasons, Wacha battled a right shoulder issue in 2016. But his ERA surprisingly jumped to 5.09 last season, and he made three appearances out of the bullpen right after he came off the disabled list in September.

There have been some questions lingering about Wacha’s role in the Cardinals’ pitching staff for 2017, health-permitting of course. But with the recent Tommy John surgery for top prospect Alex Reyes, and an obvious absence for the entire coming season, Wacha is definitely in line for a starting rotation spot now. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has confirmed Wacha will likely be in the rotation, “if he’s physically able.”

After budding ace Carlos Martinez, the Cardinals have question marks surrounding age-related decline (Adam Wainwright) and a come back from Tommy John surgery (Lance Lynn) in their starting rotation. Wacha’s 2015 campaign (17-7, 3.38 ERA, 30 starts) showed what he can do when fully healthy, and St. Louis will need that kind of rebound this year if they want to re-enter the pantheon of World Series contenders. A case could be made for catcher Yadier Molina as the Cardinals’ x-factor in 2017, but I’m going with Wacha.

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