Mike Soroka injury update: Atlanta Braves pitcher out a bit longer

The Atlanta Braves may have to wait a little bit longer for Mike Soroka.

As it was, the Braves pitcher had been expected to return around the All Star Break. That timeline seemed to be optimistic in recent days as he was still in Florida getting ready for a rehab assignment. Since it had been nearly two years since he was on the mound in a competitive setting, it made sense for the Braves to be as cautious as possible as he continued to ramp up.

Atlanta Braves may be without Mike Soroka a bit longer

His rehab assignment has been delayed a bit longer. Soroka’s bad luck continued as he was recently hit in the knee with a comebacker while continuing to ramp up to prepare for his return to the majors. Fortunately for Soroka, he only suffered a bruise where he was struck in the knee.

It was not that long ago that Soroka appeared to be a burgeoning ace. He was an All Star in 2019, posting a 2.68 ERA and a 1.111 WHiP in his 174.2 innings, striking out 142 batters with 41 walks. The then 21 year old finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year vote as he made his first All Star Game and earned votes for the Cy Young.

That bright future has yet to come. He has made three starts since as the pandemic and his twice torn Achilles have conspired to keep him off the mound. A comebacker resulting in a bruised knee is relatively minor in comparison.

Soroka is still just 24 years old. He still has a very bright future ahead of himself. It is entirely possible that he will realize his potential and become a top of the rotation arm for the Braves going forward. It is just a matter of staying healthy at this point.

The Atlanta Braves have waited almost two years for Mike Soroka to return from injury. Another week or two is not that bad comparatively.