Mike Soroka needs surgery as Braves rotation takes a big hit

Braves pitcher Mike Soroka had a major setback in his recovery from last year’s season-ending Achilles injury. He now needs additional surgery.

The Braves had a disappointing injury update on pitcher Mike Soroka on Wednesday.

The bright young star had a setback as he looks to come back from a torn Achilles.

Soroka had an MRI after experiencing “discomfort in his Achilles,” per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. He now needs “exploratory surgery.”

The surgery will take place next week. Where Soroka goes from there is up in the air.

Mike Soroka’s Achilles recovery is not going to plan for the Braves

Soroka had been cleared to begin throwing a couple of weeks ago after he dealt with shoulder inflammation slowing his return. While he still faced more than a month in his recovery, the possibility of him pitching in 2021 was very much alive.

However, as Soroka went through his regular conditioning “he could just tell something was wrong,” per David O’Brien of The Athletic.

This setback throws all those hopes out the window. Even though no timetable has been set, it’s looking increasingly unlikely he’ll be able to pitch this season after all.

Manager Brian Snitker said as much when addressing Soroka’s status.

“This was a kick in the gut because we were hoping to have him back this season,” he said, per Braves broadcaster Paul Byrd.

The Braves have been without their ace since August of last year and the pitching rotation has suffered. They haven’t even been able to lean on Max Fried much this season since he injured his hamstring and spent almost a month on the injured list.

Having to cope without Soroka for another season is a major blow.