It has been a long, arduous journey for Mike Soroka in his quest to return to the Atlanta Braves.
He appeared to be ready to step in as an ace for the Braves during the 2019 season. A first time All Star, Soroka had posted a 13-4 record with a 2.68 ERA and a 1.111 WHiP over his 174.2 innings, striking out 142 batters with 41 walks. At 21 years old, he appeared to be ready to be the next young star in their rotation.
Mike Soroka still has time to be Atlanta Braves star
Instead, disaster happened. Soroka tore his Achilles in 2020, tore it again while walking in 2021, and has not appeared on a major league mound since. He has also battled shoulder, elbow, knee, and hamstring issues during his various rehab stints. But that is about to change as he is set to take the mound for the Braves on Monday.
Soroka has been solid during his time in Triple-A this season. He posted a 4.33 ERA and a 1.330 WHiP in his 35.1 innings in Gwinnett, striking out 45 batters with 11 walks. While those numbers may not be overly impressive, it is worth remembering that Triple-A tends to be an offensive haven. Soroka’s numbers look better given that context.
It is possible that he can re-establish himself in the Braves’ rotation. Both Max Fried and Kyle Wright will be on the Injured List for some time. Meanwhile, Dylan Dodd and Jared Shuster have not exactly proven that they are ready for the majors. At 25 years old, Soroka can still be that top of the rotation arm he seemed destined to become just a few years ago.
Mike Soroka is finally returning to the Atlanta Braves. There is still plenty of time for him to be the pitcher he was expected to be.
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