Mike Soroka won’t pitch again this season, Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed Wednesday. It was the expected outcome as Soroka prepares for 2019.
The 20-year-old has been sidelined since June 27 with shoulder soreness. He last pitched in a game June 19. He’s throwing again, though he’s not facing hitters.
“We’re not going to see him this year,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Hopefully he’ll get it going. Best scenario for him is Instructional League (in October), be pitching and competing and go into the offseason normal. We’ll get him back in spring and go from there.”
After not registering time on the disabled list in his minor league career, Soroka was twice put out of action since joining the Braves. He was placed on the DL for a shoulder strain in mid-May, returned healthy for one start, then felt pain in the ensuing outing.
The Canadian righty hoped to contribute in September. That always seemed ambitious, especially with the team’s delicacies toward its younger arms. An extended look at Soroka would’ve had several benefits, but the Braves had the depth to withstand his loss.
Soroka, deemed by many as the franchise’s best pitching prospect, made five major league starts. He posted a 3.51 ERA while striking out 21 over 25-2/3 innings.
