Wacha will begin season in Cardinals' rotation

Michael Wacha's role with the St. Louis Cardinals was finally defined Sunday as manager Mike Matheny confirmed the right-hander will open the season in the rotation, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.

Though Wacha made 24 starts for St. Louis last season, posting a 4.62 ERA, the Cardinals elected to use him out of the bullpen for three games late in the season. In his 5 2/3 innings of relief, though, he allowed 10 earned runs.

The decision to include Wacha in the rotation also appears to spell an end to the club's idea of converting former closer Trevor Rosenthal into a starter. With Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Mike Leake, and Lance Lynn likely penciled into the other four spots, there may not be any room left for Rosenthal in the rotation.