Mike Soroka came into Sunday’s start with a legitimate opportunity to prove to the front office that he’s ready to return to Atlanta. Even if his control left something to be desired, he dominated in his first three starts with the Stripers, reaching 91 pitches in his last time out over six scoreless innings. Soroka is close, and because of the doubleheader now scheduled for Monday, the Braves will need another starter for Friday at home against the Orioles.
How cool would that be? The Maple Maddux returning to Truist Park for the first time since 2020 in front of a sold out crowd on Friday night. The script couldn’t have been written any better, especially given that Soroka is set up to be on regular rest, making him the most logical option.
Unfortunately, that moment may have to wait. Soroka toed the rubber on Sunday for the fourth time this season and wasn’t fooling anybody. He surrendered ten hits and eight runs over three innings, tossing just 69 pitches.
Mike Soroka gave up 10 hits and eight runs (seven earned) in just three innings of his Triple-A start today. #Braves rehabbing closer Raisel Iglesias took over to start the fourth and pitched a clean inning with two groundouts and a strikeout.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 30, 2023
This was always going to be part of the process for Soroka. He looks much better, and most importantly, he’s healthy again, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t going to be blips on the radar. Soroka was never going to come right back and contend for the NL Cy Young again. With that being said, he can still be a valuable piece to what the Braves are trying to do this year later in the season.
I’m not even so sure this performance completely rules out Soroka for Friday night’s matchup against the Orioles. It didn’t help his chances, but this is a moment that is long overdue, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Braves rolled the dice and let him get his feet wet again in the majors in front of a rocking crowd at Truist Park.
—
David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.