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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Braves in 2019

By Brad Berreman

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Touki Toussaint #62 of the Atlanta Braves warms up prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on February 23, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Touki Toussaint #62 of the Atlanta Braves warms up prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on February 23, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Todd Kirkland/Getty Images /

2. RHP Mike Soroka

MLB.com ranked Mike Soroka as the No. 1 prospect in the Braves’ system going into this year. He made five starts in the big leagues last year, with a 3.51 ERA, a 7.4 K/9 and a 2.5 BB/9 over 25.2 innings. He made his 2019 debut for the Braves April 18 against Arizona, allowing one run on four hits with six strikeouts and two walks over five innings.

With Mike Foltynewicz (elbow soreness) possibly nearing a return, Soroka’s place in Atlanta’s starting rotation doesn’t feel permanent. But after a fairly lackluster 85-pitch outing on April 16, Foltynewicz was slated for at least one more rehab start over Easter weekend.

Soroka did not pitch after mid-June last year due to a shoulder issue, and a different issue in his pitching shoulder surfaced this spring. So some well-warranted caution may be exercised by the Braves organization, until further notice.

With keeping a lid on his innings this year a possibility, and a rotation that stands to be capable and full as long as everyone’s healthy, the Braves still could very well consider using Soroka out of the bullpen before this season is done.

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