Braves rumors: Michael Soroka almost certainly returning vs. Athletics this week

It is almost a guarantee at this point that Michael Soroka will make his long-awaited season debut for the Atlanta Braves this week vs. the Oakland Atheltics.

With Michael Soroka being a healthy scratch ahead of his Sunday start for the Gwinnett Stripers, it almost certainly signifies that he will be making his triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves rotation on Memorial Day.

Yes, it will be in front of a less-than-capacity crowd at the Oakland Coliseum, but Soroka’s return is some three years in the making. He has not pitched for the Braves at the major league level since tearing his Achilles in the early part of the 2020 COVID season. Keep in mind that he was Atlanta’s ace on the 2019 staff. The former All-Star right-hander is on the verge of making his big return!

Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wouldn’t straight-up say it, but we all know…

MLB insider Jim Bowden reported Soroka will get the start for the Braves vs. the Oakland Athletics on Memorial Day.

This is the absolute ideal time for Soroka to make his triumphant return to the Atlanta rotation.

Atlanta Braves rumors: Michael Soroka will make season debut on Memorial Day

Even though The Coliseum rats will have no idea what they are watching, they will be part of one of the most magical moments in their lifetimes. Braves Country, if there was ever a time to book a cross-country flight on Delta on whim, this is the game and the trip to go to. The Braves are going to win because the A’s stink, and you will spend more on a checked bag than a ticket to the game.

Besides this being a feel-good story for all of baseball, Atlanta needs a boost in the rotation in the worst way possible. Yes, Max Fried and Kyle Wright are slated to come back, but arm troubles with star pitchers are never a good thing. Soroka’s health concerns have been with his leg. That’s not better, but it’s not an arm. And don’t even get me started on this bullpen they’re trotting out there.

I want nothing more than to see Soroka pitch five innings on Monday and then pitch five more when the Braves take on the Arizona Diamondbacks a week from now. If Soroka can reclaim his spot in the Atlanta rotation, then that makes the entire team better. Prior to getting hurt, he was a top-five pitcher on the come-up in the National League. We all saw it, and we simply cannot wait!

The Calgary Flame formerly known as Mike will look to blow us away over in Northern California.