No doubt one of the biggest storylines through Spring Training for the Atlanta Braves has been the return to health for ace pitcher Mike Soroka.
For the most part, Mike Soroka has exceeded expectations and honestly could be pitching with the Atlanta Braves in just a couple of weeks.
Many initially thought there was no way he could be back before May, but I think if the Braves really wanted him to, he could be ready for the first week of the season.
We’ve discussed on here multiple times why it might be in the best interest of the Braves not to rush Soroka back. Mainly because if his innings are going to be limited this season, I’d rather he save those innings for September than use them in April.
But certainly, the righty will be back soon, and it was a great first step towards that return on Tuesday as he pitched 2 innings against the Red Sox.
He gave up one run on a solo home run by Boston’s top prospect Jarren Duran. Soroka also walked a couple of batters, which is unusual for him, but expected as he shakes off the rust.
Overall the command looked good and the velo was there. He did manage to pick up a pair of strikeouts, but the most important thing was he got back on the mound and walked off of it healthy.
One thing I love about Soroka that separates him from a lot of other young pitchers is he’s so calm on the mound.
In his second inning, he got a ground ball that could have been a double-play but Johan Camargo sent the throw sailing into right field.
Soroka calmly walked back on the mound — and I get it, it’s just Spring Training — and rolled another double-play ground ball. This time it gets turned to end the game.
This kind of sums up that mindset.
Mike Soroka on his 2021 Spring debut today: "It felt really good. Kind of nice that I got into trouble a little bit. Had to get out there and keep making pitches like I would during the season" #Braves
— Atlanta Braves Radio Network (@BravesRadioNet) March 30, 2021
And as far as when we could see him return…
Soroka on when he might rejoin #Braves rotation: pic.twitter.com/HTOWcYDU7P
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 30, 2021
And here are the next steps for Soroka in his rehab:
#Braves Mike Soroka said he threw four simulated innings his last time out. After those starts he immediately does more PFP. He wanted to get to where the injury was no longer even a thought on the mound, and feels that's where he is. Next stop is the Alternate Site to ramp up.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) March 30, 2021
This was a great day for Braves fans and a great way to end Spring Training. Now the games are real and I can’t wait to see what this team does in 2021.