What Atlanta Braves Pitcher Impacted the Team Most During the Month of May?
By Steven Teal
Mike Soroka, Rookie Phenom
Most fans knew that right-hander Mike Soroka was expected to be one of the best pitchers in the organization but after his shoulder issues last season (and during Spring Training) there was some doubt surrounding him in 2019.
Well, he certainly squashed any concerns that fans may have had. His workout program to strengthen the muscles around his shoulder has proven to be a Godsend for getting him back into playing shape.
Mike Soroka currently carries a 5-1 record with an MLB best 1.07 ERA. Opponents are only batting .168 against him and his WHIP sits at a ridiculous 0.88.
Among the 122 MLB pitchers who've logged 40 or more innings this season, #Braves rookie Mike Soroka's 1.07 ERA is more than a half-run lower than the next-best, Hyun-Jin Ryu's 1.65. Only others as low as 2.15 are Tyler Glasnow (1.86) and Chris Paddack (1.93).
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 27, 2019
The month of May has been an outstanding one for the 21-year-old Calgary native.
In 31 innings pitched, Soroka went 3-0 producing a 0.79 ERA allowing just 3 earned runs on 17 hits. Opponents only managed a slash line of .145/.235/.197 and a .176 BAbip. This BAbip number dropped from a .317 mark in the month of April.
Mike has some great numbers so far this season. I’ll give you a quick overview of some impressive ones we haven’t discussed below.
- FIP: 2.89 (well above average)
- GB Rate: 57.6%
- BAbip: .213
- K/9: 8.17
- BB/9: 2.66
I’m incredibly impressed by his FIP and ground ball percentage. It doesn’t surprise me that his ground ball percentage is so high.
30 Seconds of Mike Soroka Sinkers. pic.twitter.com/hu2Lbyts5n
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 5, 2019
When you throw a sinker or changeup that is as good as Mike Soroka’s is, you’re going to get ground ball outs.
Mike Soroka’s changeup is an oblique strain waiting to happen for opposing hitters. pic.twitter.com/TdG3kWFQfZ
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) May 10, 2019
The numbers above are a credit to just how well Mike prepares himself before every start. He always seems to be able to put the ball exactly where he wants to and get himself out of any jams he finds himself in.