3 Braves players that surprisingly benefit from delayed MLB season
By Mark Powell
Braves: Mike Soroka benefits from delayed Opening Day
Since 2019, Mike Soroka has pitched just over 13 big-league innings thanks to two drastic injuries in the same Achilles. But Soroka is still just 24 years old, and if he comes back at a respectable pace could have a nice bounce-back year for the Braves. But he remains a Wild Card, and not a starter the Braves should count on. Any consistent production would be a welcomed bonus.
Soroka underwent three surgeries on his Achilles in a year. He tore it twice. That’s not easy to come back from, and must preface any optimistic viewpoint about him.
That being said, an optimistic viewpoint would suggest he could be back by around July, so the longer the season is delayed, the more he’ll be able to contribute to a potential playoff team. The bad news is while the Braves players are locked out, Soroka won’t have access to team facilities or the training staff. There are still ways to circumvent the system, but they aren’t nearly as effective.
If the season were to start in May, or near then, and Soroka is due for a July return, he could be incredibly cautious in his return. There’d be no reason to rush him back, as he’ll be able to contribute to a large majority of the Braves’ season.
It’s an ideal outcome for both sides.