On Memorial Day in Oakland, Michael Soroka’s return felt like a celebration for fans. Here was Soroka, someone who had overcome so much over the past three years, stepping on a big-league mound for the first time since his initial Achilles tendon tear. If nothing else, his determination and perseverance to reach that moment were monumental.
A little more than three months later, the Braves placed Soroka on the injured list with right forearm inflammation. On the night before the Braves made the move official, manager Brian Snitker gave this answer in response to a question about the severity of the injury: “I think it’s probably a big deal.” Soroka felt numbness in his fingers.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Braves said Soroka was still undergoing tests, which would give them further clarity on what caused the numbness in his fingers. Snitker didn’t know how serious it could be.
“We’ll know when the tests come back,” he said Wednesday.
Given that it’s Sept. 6, the injury puts Soroka’s season in question. Until we know more, it’s too soon to know how serious this could be. Along with Soroka, the Braves put right-hander Collin McHugh on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. They recalled right-handers Darius Vines and Ben Heller.
Understandably, many people had the same questions about Soroka: What does forearm inflammation mean? Is that serious? After all, baseball fans are accustomed to forearm injuries being precursors to Tommy John surgery.
The Braves say they would designate a “sprain” for anyone who had a tear. They did not do this for Soroka – they termed it “inflammation.” Initially, it didn’t seem to be a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, which is what would necessitate Tommy John surgery.
Regardless, Soroka still had to undergo tests on Wednesday, which is standard procedure for anyone who sustains an injury during a night game.
“You feel for him, especially because he’s done such a good job this year,” pitcher Kyle Wright said. “He really took care of his body. He’s had a really strong year. ...It’s scary, and you just hope it’s not too serious and that it’s just a minor setback and he’ll be back to who he was. We talk about it all the time: He’s super diligent, incredible work ethic. He’ll be back sooner than later. You hate it for him, for now.”
Tuesday marked Soroka’s third stint in the majors. Earlier this season, the Braves wanted to give him enough time in the minor leagues so that he wouldn’t fail in the majors. They tried. However, he never ran with the opportunities – though in fairness to Soroka, he probably always was going to need time after three years away.
Soroka has a 6.40 ERA over seven games (six of them starts). If looking only at his line, his best start came July 5, when he held Cleveland scoreless over 4-2/3 innings. In three of his six starts, he completed six innings. But he allowed four or more earned runs in four of his six starts.
On May 29, Soroka’s return to the major-league mound, he surrendered four runs over six innings in Oakland. After he permitted five runs over 3-2/3 innings in Phoenix in his next start, the Braves optioned him for the first time.
When they brought him up again, he gave up nine earned runs over 19-2/3 innings. They sent him down again.
Then Tuesday, he allowed five runs over three innings. He felt the numbness in his fingers, which added another cruel twist to his difficult journey.
“I admire him for everything he’s been through, and this is just kind of another situation for him,” Snitker said. “It’s a little different. We’ll know more when we get tests back.”
McHugh has a 4.30 ERA over 58-2/3 innings this season. He hasn’t been as effective as he was last season.
From July 22-Aug. 21, McHugh allowed four earned runs over 14-2/3 innings. This was an encouraging stretch, even if McHugh never looked as dominant as last season. Then he surrendered four earned runs over 1-1/3 frames Aug. 27 in San Francisco. On Tuesday versus the Cardinals, he gave up four earned runs over three innings.
“He’s had some shoulder fatigue,” Snitker said. “He was on the training table when I came in.”
Vines, who is stretched out as a starter, is equipped to give the Braves length out of the bullpen if necessary. Soroka’s injury also means there’s a rotation vacancy Sunday.
Heller has moved up and down between the minors and majors this season. He has a 4.41 ERA over 16-1/3 innings this season.
For now, it’s impossible not to focus on Soroka. After three years rehabbing the Achilles tendon injuries, he suffered another blow Tuesday.
But how serious is it?
Everyone awaits the answer.
“They’re just gonna give him the whole work-up and find out the reason (for the numbness in his fingers),” Snitker said.
Credit: Miguel Martinez
Credit: Miguel Martinez
