Braves Rumors: Soroka’s replacement, Mets prediction, next contract extension
By Mark Powell
Braves Rumors: Who takes Mike Soroka’s spot?
Mike Soroka, while a tremendous story, had an ERA over eight through his two starts in Atlanta. Despite his impressive outings in Gwinnett, something is still missing at the major-league level.
The right-hander struggled on Sunday, and his demotion came shortly thereafter as a surprise to many on the roster itself, per one Braves insider.
“Though Soroka struggled, particularly Sunday, the swiftness of this demotion back to Triple A surprised many. But the #Braves are making the pitching moves they believe give them best chance to win, and win now,” David O’Brien said via Twitter.
As for what Atlanta’s rotation will look like now without Soroka, they have several options. AJ Smith-Shawver, just 20 years old, has starting experience. Smith-Shawver has retired seven of the eight batters he’s faced in rather swift fashion since being called up. Even in a shorter, bullpen-dominated outing, it’d be wise for Brian Snitker to see what he has in the youngster. Snit went as far as to say Atlanta fans should expect to see Smith-Shawver on the mound to start a game when he was called up.
Along with Smith-Shawver, the Braves called up RHP Roddery Muñoz. Sports Illustrated has the scouting report on Muñoz, who’s been in a groove of late:
"“Muñoz, 23, will be debuting in the major leagues after three years in the Braves domestic minor league system. Originally a 2017 International Free Agent, he came stateside in 2021 and was moved to relief in 2023. This season, mostly in AAA Gwinnett, he’s 1-3 with a 4.94 ERA in fifteen appearances (one start, in AA Mississippi) and twenty-four strikeouts in twenty-seven and a third innings. But in his last six appearances, he’s reached a comfort level: 0.82 ERA, with eight hits, one run, and fourteen strikeouts (with seven walks) in eleven innings.”"
From the outside looking in, it appears the Braves will go with Smith-Shawver and/or a bullpen start in steed of Soroka, while Muñoz takes a much-needed bullpen slot.