Mike Soroka Set to Return to Braves After Near Three-Year Injury Absence

Soroka hasn’t pitched since 2020 due to injury.

The Braves rotation is set to receive a significant boost on Monday, as manager Brian Snitker announced that starting pitcher Mike Soroka is set to make his long-awaited return from injury, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

It’s been over 1,000 days and nearly three full years since Soroka’s last MLB appearance, which took place in 2020. 

The 25-year-old’s once promising career has been derailed by a series of injuries and setbacks, most notably an Achilles tear during the '20 campaign. He re-injured the Achilles while rehabbing the initial ailment, causing his extended absence from Atlanta’s roster. His last MLB game came on Aug. 3, 2020 against the Mets.

Snitker announced that Soroka would be added to the roster following Sunday night’s win against the Phillies. Dereck Rodriguez will be going down in a corresponding move, per Bowman. 

Snit confirmed Soroka for tomorrow

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 29, 2023

The Braves start a three-game series against the Athletics on Monday, in what could be a favorable matchup for Soroka to get his feet wet on the mound after his lengthy absence.

Oakland is a league-worst 10-45 and the team is on pace for MLB's worst record since 1899.

It’s unclear what type of workload Atlanta will allow Soroka to shoulder on Monday, but just seeing the right-hander back on the mound will be a heartwarming moment for fans.

Soroka has featured in 37 games across three seasons for the Braves, logging a 2.86 ERA with 15 wins, 171 strikeouts and a 1.16 WHIP.