Atlanta Braves hoped for rotation boost not happening

The Atlanta Braves had been hopeful that Mike Soroka would be able to make a difference during the stretch run. He had been sidelined since August 2020, first with a torn Achilles and then with a shoulder issue. But the hope was that he would be ready for the second half of the season, ready to come through as the ace they hope he can become.

That will not happen. Instead, Soroka will be out for the rest of the year as he underwent exploratory surgery on his Achilles two weeks ago.

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Atlanta Braves have tough hit with Mike Soroka

Soroka was an emerging star in 2019. Although he was just 21 years old, he produced a stellar 13-4 record with a 2.68 ERA and a 1.111 WHiP over his 174.2 innings, striking out 142 batters with 41 walks. He made the All Star Team, finished sixth in the NL Cy Young vote, and was second in the Rookie of the Year balloting. He appeared to just be starting what would be a brilliant career.

That may still be the case, but it will take longer to come to fruition. He had just three starts in 2020 before initially tearing his Achilles, allowing seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits and seven walks over his 13.2 innings with just eight strikeouts. That rough start to the season had been cause for concern even before his ankle injury.

Now, he will essentially miss two full seasons. The pandemic had already shortened the 2020 campaign before his injury ended it prematurely. Hopefully, this most recent surgery will take care of the ongoing issues he had with the tendon, and he can get back to form for 2022.

A healthy Soroka will be vital to the Braves’ hopes next season. Both Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly are on one year deals, leaving several holes in the rotation next year. Getting Soroka back, and healthy, will go a long way to improving the Braves’ rotation in the upcoming year.

The 2021 season will be another lost campaign for Mike Soroka. The Atlanta Braves young pitcher will miss the entire season after surgery on his Achillies.