Atlanta Braves rumors: 2 prospects to promote, 1 player to demote

Braves player to call up: Mike Soroka

Bryce Elder is a good story in Atlanta, but he doesn’t have the pure arm talent of a Mike Soroka. A former All-Star, Soroka hasn’t been able to stay healthy for the Braves for quite some time — until now.

Soroka’s been on fire of late in Gwinnett, and threw 91 pitches and six shutout innings on Tuesday.

Elder’s emergence is something that could delay Soroka’s arrival, that much is certain. But Atlanta is merely one injury away from giving Soroka a chance. Either that, or Brian Snitker could go with a six-man rotation to give some of his starting pitchers rest. It’s a long season.

Soroka would’ve had a chance to make the roster out of spring training, but he had to delay his start time due to injury. Surprisingly enough, he’s bounced back quickly and well.

Just a month ago, we dubbed Soroka one of the biggest losers of spring training, as he was scheduled to be sent down to recover from another injury:

"“Soroka was sidelined with a hamstring injury. The right-hander was thought to be among those competing for a spot in the Braves rotation, but this latest setback has eliminated any chances of Soroka making the Opening Day roster. Instead, once he is fully healthy, Soroka will have to begin the 2023 season at Triple-A Gwinnett in order to build up his stamina. With the Braves rotation already loaded, Soroka will have a tough task ahead when he’s finally deemed healthy enough to toe the rubber.”"

Yet, it’s that same time off which gave Soroka the ability to heal up, and improve his craft against lesser competition. Soon, he’ll join the big-league club yet again.