MLB Rumors: Mets fuming over Stroman, Carlos Correa’s injury, Soroka watch
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Braves fans are on Mike Soroka watch
The Atlanta Braves starting rotation could use some extended work, as Max Fried and Kyle Wright are out until mid-July, at the very earliest. While Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder have performed admirably, Atlanta needs more than that. Jared Shuster, a former first-round pick who was recently called up, had the best start of his brief MLB career his last time out, so the Braves are hopeful he can hold down a rotation spot for the time being as well.
That leaves just one more open slot, and Mike Soroka may be the man to fill it. Soroka is a former All-Star as recently as 2019, but a litany of injuries kept him sidelined the last few years. After a solid spring and his best start of the minor-league season to date in Gwinnett, though, perhaps a call-up is in order.
Really encouraging start by Soroka tonight in Triple A: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K, 96 pitches/58 strikes. Could be in #Braves rotation before much longer.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 24, 2023
"“Obviously, when you see a spot open you think, “That’s me. It’s my time,’” Soroka said, per The Athletic. “But I know at the end of the day it’s about doing my job and letting that take care of itself. I know I have the support of the organization. They’re giving me that time. I can’t say if it’s one more start or two or five. I think it’s going to be pretty obvious when it’s time. Today was good and even last week in Nashville was good after the home run in the first. The hope is that when I go up there I never look back.”"
Per Atlanta Braves insider Mark Bowman, Soroka’s return could happen sooner rather than later.
“The Braves haven’t said when Soroka might be added to Atlanta’s rotation,” Bowman said. “But he’s now in play if needed.”
The Braves have been cautious with Soroka, as they should be. But if there were ever a time to test that patience, it’s now.