Michael Soroka's first appearance as a starter for the Chicago Cubs didn't last long.
The right-handed pitcher, who was brought over during the trading period, exited Monday's game against the Cincinnati Reds due to what ESPN documented as pain in the right shoulder
Soroka pitched only two innings before being taken out at the beginning of the third inning and substituted by Ben Brown.
Soroka's game
Soroka appeared strong in the opening inning, striking out all three batters. In the second inning, he managed to get through despite allowing a solo home run from Cincinnati's Tyler Stephenson.
He permitted a hit, a base-on-balls, an earned run, and recorded three strikeouts before exiting the match. Brown took over for the following four frames, allowing two hits and one run while striking out five batters without issuing any walks.
Chicago required reliable starting pitchers and Soroka was the sole one they obtained before the trading deadline. The Cubs surrendered two players, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, in the deal. parted with two talents, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, as part of the exchange. traded away two prospects, including shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin. let go of two potential stars, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, during the transaction. exchanged two young athletes, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, for others. released two rising names, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, in the trade. gave up two emerging players, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, as part of the swap. sent two future hopes, shortstop Ronny Cruz and left fielder Christian Franklin, out in the trade.
In his time with Washington, Soroka went 3-8 having an ERA of 4.87 over 16 appearances, recording 87 strikeouts and issuing 24 bases-on-balls across 81.1 innings pitched. He entered into a one-year contract with the Nationals aiming to regain his role as a regular starting pitcher.
Soroka has prior experience in Chicago. Last season, he played for the White Sox both as a starting pitcher and a relief pitcher. In 25 appearances, nine of them as a starter, he finished with a record of 0-10 and an ERA of 4.74. Over 79.2 innings, he recorded 84 strikeouts but also issued 44 walks. His performance ranked among the worst for a pitcher without any wins since 1900, placing him third on that list.
He once had potential as a rising talent in Atlanta. In 2019, he finished with a record of 13 wins against 4 losses, posting a 2.68 ERA and earning a spot in the National League All-Star game, as well as recognition on the all-MLB second team. He ranked sixth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting and came in second place for the NL Rookie of the Year honors.
He suffered an Achilles' tendon rupture in 2020 and was unable to play for the following two seasons after reinjuring it while undergoing recovery.
The Most Recent Chicago Cubs Updates
Yankees Possibly Ink Deal with Formerly Released Cubbs Starter Yankees Said to Welcome Back Ex-Cubs Thrower New York Yankees Allegedly Acquire Newly Unaffiliated Cubbie Pitcher Report: Yankees Finalize Agreement with Previously Dismissed Cubs Player Yankees Rumored to Have Hired Recent Cubs Releasee NY Yankees Supposedly Bring In New Cubby Ace Major League Team Seen Closing in on Former Cubbies' Relief Pitcher Rumors Surface That Yankees Are Set to Hire Latest Cubs Cut Candidate Yankees May Be Adding Recently Let Go Cubs Star Bullpen Addition for Yankees Linked to Previous Cubs Assignment
The Cubs' Top Decision During the MLB Trade Deadline Isn't Considered a Trade, According to a Previous MLB Executive
Cubs Expected to Ink Top Center Fielder with Massive Contract During the Upcoming Season Cubs Set to Welcome Elite Outfielder With Record-Breaking Agreement This Winter Cubs Planning to Secure Premium Outfield Talent Through Major Deal This Offseason Cubs Anticipated to Finalize Big-Time Signing of Prominent Outfield Player this Winter Cubs Projected to Acquire Star Catcher via Significant Contract Over the Next Few Months
Playoff Race Intensifies as Division Rivalries and Blue Jays Encounter Shape Cubbies' Journey
This piece was first released on www.si.com/mlb/cubs as New Cub Pitcher Michael Soroka Ends First Game Due to Shoulder Problem New Cub Thrower Michael Soroka Is Forced Out of His Opening Appearance Because of Shoulder Issue Michael Soroka, New Member of the Cubs, Suffers Shoulder Injury During Initial Performance Cubs' New Starting Pitcher Michael Soroka Withdraws from Debut Match After Shoulder Strain Debuting for the Cubs, Michael Soroka Experiences Shoulder Injuries Mid-Game The Cubs’ Newly Acquired Starter, Michael Soroka, Leaves Game with Shoulder Concerns Michael Soroka’s First Start with the Cubs Cut Short by Shoulder Injury Cubs Additions: Michael Soroka Departs From his First Game Following Shoulder Damage Fresh Off the Trade, Michael Soroka Faces Shoulder Setback in Cubs Debut Michael Soroka Makes an Early Exit from Cubs Debut Due to Shoulder Problems .