St. Louis Cardinals Adam Wainwright is returning to ace form, thanks to what?
Adam Wainwright is returning to true ace form for the St. Louis Cardinals during Spring training. It’s a surprise, but a welcome one, to be sure.
Adam Wainwright was on pace for a dominant 2015 campaign for the St. Louis Cardinals until the unthinkable happened. On a fluke play at the plate, Waino tore his left Achilles tendon — during a game at Miller Park against division rival Milwaukee Brewers.
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He hasn’t been the same ever since the gruesome injury, and it’s understandable. Even though Wainwright’s boasted a solid winning percentage the past two seasons (.591 and .706), his ERA has skyrocketed — sitting right around 5.00 since his return.
His home run total’s taken off too, giving up career-highs in long balls dished up — with 22 and 14 respectively. Velocity on Wainwright’s fastball’s dipped down to the low 90’s, at best, so the writing’s on the wall for the former All-Star. Or is it?
Thus far, Wainwright’s been spectacular this Spring, dominating hitters like it’s 2013-2014 all over again. Spring training is a glorified practice of sorts, but this resurgence is a tremendous sign for the St. Louis Cardinals moving forward — who need to fill to void left by the departure of the reliable Lance Lynn.
Five innings, just one unearned run for Adam Wainwright, who lowered his spring ERA to 0.84. #STLCards
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) March 14, 2018
How in the world is Wainwright turning back the clock and returning to his old ace-like self?
Two words. Mike Maddux. The magician worked his magic with the Washington Nationals in 2016 and 2017 and appears to be picking up where he left off. The St. Louis Cardinals have regained their swagger, with their beefed-up coaching staff to thank for the “it factor” returning to the Redbirds.
If Wainwright can hold down the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation, then the St. Louis Cardinals will be in excellent shape. Also, the veteran pitcher aims to win the prank wars with his fellow teammates, and repeat as the Silver Slugger honoree in the National League among pitchers.
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Welcome back, Waino. We’ve missed you in Cardinals Nation the past two seasons.