Yesterday, Mike Soroka‘s rehab assignment was transferred to Gwinnett, where he made his second start since returning to the mound. In his first outing, Soroka was nearly untouchable for the Rome Braves, striking out eight of the first nine batters he faced and tossing four scoreless innings. He couldn’t have dreamt up a better showing for his return to the mound, but there were several bumps in the road for Soroka in his second start with the Stripers.
In his second rehab start, #Braves' Mike Soroka was charged with 6 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk with no strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings at Triple-A Gwinnett. Threw 39 strikes in 58 pitches.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 21, 2022
Given the type of competitor Soroka is, that’s not the stat line he envisioned after dominating in his first rehab assignment. However, the results aren’t what is important at this point.
The only thing the Braves are hoping after every start is that Soroka feels healthy and is ready to go again in another five days. The organization isn’t even thinking about the possibility of him contributing to the major-league club right now. The primary focus is on his health and preparing him for the 2023 campaign. If he can pass all of the tests earlier than that, they will potentially give him a shot in Atlanta come September. But right now, it’s all about him staying healthy and getting stretched out.
The good news is, “he’s healthy and looking forward to his next outing,” according to 92.9 The Game’s Grant McAuley.
Mike Soroka told me today's start was a bit more "laborsome" and he may have been a little too excited given how he felt he threw in the first start for Rome, kind of trying to force that result again. But he's healthy and looking forward to his next outing. #Braves
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) August 21, 2022
From other reports, it seems like Soroka’s velocity was still up in Gwinnett and the stuff looked encouraging, which is what you like to hear if you’re expecting him to contribute this season.
Next up for the Maple Maddux is hopefully another start in five days for Gwinnett, providing everything goes smoothly until then. Soroka threw 58 pitches yesterday, so I imagine the Braves hope he can reach 75 in his next outing. After that, he will probably throw about 90, and if he passes that test with flying colors, it might be time for the Braves to consider giving him a shot in Atlanta.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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