Mike Soroka’s comeback will take its latest leap Tuesday. The right-hander will pitch “an inning or two” in the Braves’ spring-training finale against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida, manager Brian Snitker said Monday.
Soroka has spent the past seven months working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in his third start last season. He’s progressed as expected, and the team has been optimistic he could rejoin the rotation in mid-to-late April.
Soroka pitched in simulated games behind the scenes throughout March, impressing team officials. This will be his first appearance in a game since early August 2020.
“It’s going to be good to get him out there against somebody else before we leave,” Snitker said. “He’s done everything and he feels great. I think it’s awesome that he’ll be able to do that. ... As of the whole plan, everything is going right on schedule.”
Soroka, 23, was an All-Star in 2019. He had a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts that season, which was his first full campaign in the majors. Once the organization’s top pitching prospect, Soroka has blossomed into one of the most promising young starters in baseball.
“I’m super excited for him,” said fellow rotation member Ian Anderson, Soroka’s spring roommate. “He’s super stoked to get on the mound. I’m sure we’ll go over some hitters tonight. He’ll probably be asking me some questions. It’ll be fun. I’ll definitely be watching tomorrow.”
Whenever Soroka returns, he should be a big boost for a rotation that features opening-day starter Max Fried, Anderson and veteran newcomers Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly. In the meantime, the team has the pitching depth to manage.
The Braves are opening the season with a four-man rotation - made possible by an early off day - and plan to use a bullpen game on the first road trip. Bryse Wilson will likely join the rotation for its second turn after winning the competition for the final opening. The Braves also have Huascar Ynoa and Kyle Wright as starter options.
