The Braves expect a bevy of players to return from injury in the coming weeks, most notably Mike Soroka and Ozzie Albies, who both looked great in their latest Gwinnett Stripers game.
Soroka started and pitched four scoreless innings for the Triple-A club Friday night against Jacksonville at Coolray Field. He allowed just one hit, struck out five and did not issue any walks. Despite the game being suspended due to rain, this was a tremendous bounce-back outing for the Maple Maddux, who struggled in his previous start, giving up four earned runs on four hits through 4.2 innings while striking out three and walking three.
The righty hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since 2020, having suffered two separate right Achilles injuries. He’s made three Minor League appearances with mixed results. Nobody should be surprised if Braves Country sees Soroka in a spot start or long relief situation down the stretch. How he does in those outings in Atlanta will determine if he makes the playoff roster.
Ozzie Albies led off the Stripers as the designated hitter and went 2-for-3 at the plate before the game was suspended. It’s the second game he’s played since fracturing his foot on June 13th and should be considered a resounding success after his 0-for-4 performance in his first game with the Stripers.
If it weren’t so close to October, the Braves would likely take their time with Albies returning, but they don’t have that luxury. Braves Country should expect the star second baseman to return to Atlanta in the coming weeks. When that time comes, Brian Snitker will have the tall task of configuring a lineup with Albies, Vaughn Grissom, Robbie Grossman, Eddie Rosario, and William Contreras. It’s a good problem to have.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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