Mike Soroka will take an important step forward in his return efforts this week.
Soroka, 25, is set for a rehab start Tuesday in High-A Rome. It’s promising news as the right-hander attempts to reestablish himself on the mound following an unfortunate sequence of injuries. It’s been a challenging couple of years for Soroka, who ruptured the same Achilles twice and has undergone three surgeries since his last major-league start Aug. 3, 2020.
As the Braves rose back into prominence, they believed the young Soroka could lead their staff. In 2019, his first and only full season, Soroka was an All-Star, posting a 2.68 ERA with 142 strikeouts against 41 walks. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and sixth in Cy Young voting. But he’s appeared in only eight games aside from that campaign, five in 2018 and three in 2020, due to injuries.
While it’s to-be-determined whether Soroka pitches in the majors this season, he’s working toward being full-go when spring training begins in February. The Braves’ rotation is already in strong shape entering next year with Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Spencer Strider and Ian Anderson all under contractual control. The team also has Kyle Muller and Bryce Elder, who’ve provided reasons for optimism, and a team option on veteran Charlie Morton. Whenever he returns, Soroka – if he’s anything close to the form he expects – will be a boost in any capacity.
“I’m glad for him (beginning his rehab stint),” manager Brian Snitker said. “I’m sure he’s anxious to get things going. It’s been a long time since he’s been under the lights. ... It’s nice to see him start the rehab process.”
New addition
The Braves recalled lefty reliever Danny Young on Monday morning. They claimed Young off waivers Aug. 6 from Seattle, where he made his first two MLB appearances. Young, 28, has had a strong season in Triple-A, earning a 44:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio while holding opponents to a .204 average.
The Braves had an open roster spot after optioning starter Elder back to Gwinnett following his start Sunday in Miami. Elder produced the best start of his early career, holding the Marlins to one run over seven innings while striking out 10 and walking three. He made a solid case for another opportunity soon.
Max Fried, Kyle Wright progressing
Snitker said he’s hopeful starters Fried (concussion) and Wright (arm fatigue) will start later this week. The Braves haven’t listed a starter for Thursday’s series finale against the Mets.
Ozzie Albies also working toward return
Second baseman Ozzie Albies (fractured left foot) worked out on the field ahead of Monday’s game. Albies hasn’t played since June 13 but hopes to rejoin the Braves during the final stretch run.
“I saw him hitting in the cage earlier,” Snitker said. “He’s been running around and starting to amp up activity, so I’m sure he’s loving that.”
IL move
The Braves transferred utilityman Ehire Adrianza to the 10-day injured list Monday due to a viral infection. The move is backdated to Aug. 12. Adrianza, whom the Braves acquired from the Nationals before the trade deadline, is 1-for-5 with a double in three games back with the Braves.
