Why do you need a top 5 pick to have a farm system? The Cardinals have got pitchers coming out of their ass and haven't had a top 5 pick in forever.... ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Cardinals ran out of arms and reasons not to promote their top pitching prospect. Michael Wacha, the popular choice to fill rotation holes all along, will start in his major league debut Thursday against the Kansas City Royals. The Cardinals lead the majors with a 33-17 record, overcoming numerous injuries with minor-league call-ups. They filled rotation spots with less celebrated rookies John Gast and Tyler Lyons earlier in the season. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound Wacha was the Cardinals' first-round draft pick and the 19th overall selection last year out of Texas A&M. He's 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA that leads the Pacific Coast League in nine starts for Triple-A Memphis, holding opponents to a .187 batting average in his first full pro season.