There’s not a more interesting man at Braves camp than Mike Soroka. All eyes will be on him as he attempts to make it back onto a major-league mound for the first time since 2020. I’m not sure there’s a baseball fan on the planet not rooting for him, but it won’t come easy. As I wrote about yesterday, the battle for the final spot in the Braves rotation is fierce.
Ian Anderson is attempting to bounce back from a dreadful 2022 campaign. He’s apparently returned to camp with a slider in his repertoire, something he desperately needed. Bryce Elder‘s also in the mix, who finished last season as strong as anybody and impressed overall as a rookie.
Mike Soroka knows what he’s up against, but he’s not wavering from the competition. He’s hungry to get back to the majors, and his goal is to make the Opening Day roster.
“Expectations for myself are always going to be the highest and I think understanding that wanting to be out there is exactly where I need to be,” Soroka said. It’s time to compete, right? I need to go out there and play baseball. I miss it.”
Mike Soroka on making #Braves Opening Day roster:
"Expectations for myself are always going to be the highest and I think understanding that wanting to be out there is exactly where I need to be. It's time to compete, right? I need to go out there and play baseball. I miss it." pic.twitter.com/j02EiTvSdt
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 21, 2023
I can’t wait to see Mike Soroka on the mound during Spring Training, and even though I’m giving the slight edge to Ian Anderson to win the final spot in the rotation, it would be foolish to put anything past the Maple Maddux. As far as talent goes, he’s up there with the best players on the roster. It’s all about finding his form again, and as long as he can stay healthy, I have no doubt that will eventually happen.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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