In an expected move, the Braves optioned Mike Soroka to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday. The right-hander has dealt with shoulder discomfort during spring training and was shut down in late February. He recently began throwing live batting practice.
The move leaves the Braves’ camp roster at 38 players.
Soroka informed team trainer George Poulis that he felt shoulder soreness following a side throwing session in February. The soreness originated during overly strenuous offseason workouts in January, and rather than continuing through it, Soroka and the team elected to give him a break.
The latest issue is unrelated to what he experienced last year, Soroka said. His season ended in June because of shoulder inflammation.
Soroka threw roughly 25 pitches in a batting practice session Sunday, making it through pain free. It’s the start of a new progression for the right-hander, who’s essentially beginning his spring training anew.
“It felt good,” he said. “It felt like it’s been long overdue. It was nice to be back out there and face some hitters and compete again. Even if there’s a cage around it, it’s a lot of fun to let it rip.”
