MLB news: Braves pitching analysis, Cardinals WBC promise, Jose Altuve injury timeline
By Kevin Henry
Let’s dive into some of the latest MLB news and notes, including a highly-anticipated Atlanta Braves debut, a promise by a key member of the St. Louis Cardinals, and when Jose Altuve could return to the Houston Astros.
We start our MLB news roundup with the Braves and pitcher Michael Soroka, who took to the mound for the first time since 2021 in a spring training game on Wednesday. Between Achilles injuries and elbow soreness, Soroka has been unable to contribute to the Braves since his MLB outing on August 3, 2020. However, Wednesday’s outing was a step in the right direction for the 25-year-old right-hander.
Atlanta Braves news: Michael Soroka solid in return to mound
On Wednesday, Soroka faced nine batters over the course of 1.2 innings of work. While his line wasn’t spectacular on the surface, there was plenty of good things to be taken from the outing.
Encouraging, for sure. Velo was there, threw some good sliders, fielded his position -- very important -- without any issue, could have fared much better with good defense behind him. https://t.co/NhjCHMOteD
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 22, 2023
After saying he felt fine on Thursday morning, it’s very possible that Soroka could pitch one more time this spring, with the potential of that being Tuesday’s finale against the Boston Red Sox.
While Soroka may not be ready for Opening Day on March 30, all signs are pointing toward him impacting the Braves sometime early in the 2023 campaign.