If Mike Soroka isn’t named to the MLB All-Star roster Sunday, it would be a baseball sin. His performance, statistically speaking, should make him a lock. If not for Hyun-Jin Ryu’s brilliance, Soroka might have the best case to start for the National League.
“It means a ton (to be in consideration for the All-Star game),” Soroka said. “I wouldn’t have expected this for myself. I wouldn’t have demanded this for myself.”
The Braves’ 21-year-old command wizard outdueled last season’s Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom on Friday, his final start before the All-Star announcement. Soroka boasts a 2.13 ERA, second-lowest in the majors. His WHIP ranks fifth best (0.980).
In his first full season, Soroka has struck out 67 and walked only 19 over 84-2/3 innings. The knock on him, of course, would be a lower inning total. But how effective he’s been in those 80-plus frames should override the difference.
“He’s going to come at you,” manager Brian Snitker said. “That’s the thing about that kid. He just keeps pitching. He takes it pitch-to-pitch, batter-to-batter, inning-to-inning. He’s very efficient early on, and he attacks the zone.”
After making only five starts a season ago, Soroka missed spring training with another shoulder issue. He didn’t make his first start until April 18, when he held the Diamondbacks to a run in five innings.
The Braves, who have the second-best record in the NL, desperately needed Soroka’s stability. He’s been the most consistent pitcher in a revolving door of a rotation. Soroka lasted at least six innings in 10 of his past 12 starts. The two he didn’t: A five-inning affair against the Pirates and a two-inning start that required an early exit after Soroka was plunked with a pitch.
More important than the numbers, at least to the Braves: Soroka has won each of his past nine decisions, a streak that began April 24. Of the 110 major league pitchers who’ve made at least nine starts since that date, Soroka is the only one without a loss. The Braves are 11-3 overall in his outings.
“He’s been one of our best guys,” third baseman Josh Donaldson said. “He definitely deserves a look (at the All-Star roster). He’s been huge for us. Going into the game and (the opponent knows) you’re not going to have much room for error (is important). He just goes out there and throws chainsaws at hitters. They know they have their work cut out for them.”
Twice Soroka fell just shy of a complete game, when he logged eight innings against the Giants in May and the Marlins in June. The Braves have managed Soroka’s workload well, with him crossing the 100-pitch threshold three times.
But how Soroka has provided quality innings and spared the bullpen in its waning times isn’t an afterthought in the Braves’ clubhouse. They already have two All-Stars in Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna – with more possibly to come.
Whether Soroka is among that group will be revealed Sunday afternoon. But there shouldn’t be much doubt. Soroka deserves a spot on the All-Star team.
