Despite doing everything right, Soroka's future with the Braves is in jeopardy
As the seasons went by, Soroka took the opportunity that his rehab provided to rework his delivery from top to bottom. The goal was to get back in game shape, but also have his mechanics in a place to allow him to stay healthy over the long term. He put in the time and worked with the medical staff, coaches, and trainers constantly to get back where he needed to be.
By the end of 2022, there was a light at the end of the tunnel and Soroka went out on rehab assignment to much celebration. The results weren't amazing at Gwinnett during his rehab stint, but that he was back at all was an accomplishment and many thought that he was going to have a great shot at rejoining the Braves' rotation in 2023.
Then Soroka suffered a hamstring injury in spring training and was out to start the season. His return would have to wait. Again.
He made his way back to Gwinnett and after needing some time to knock off the rust, he was pitching well and made his return to the big leagues. Fans know the rest of the story: Soroka had to leave his September start early with numbness in his hand and inflammation in his elbow. He is now back on the injured list yet again with his future again in doubt.
It is heartbreaking to see how Soroka's career has gone to this point. Here is a guy who puts in the work, does what he is supposed to, and takes care of himself, but seems completely snakebit when it comes to injuries. Instead of being a cornerstone of the Braves' rotation, there is a real chance that he gets non-tendered by the Braves this offseason. They love him, but they can't seem to keep him on the mound.
The laws of physics are not kind to baseball players' bodies and baseball just isn't fair sometimes. That doesn't make it hurt any less. However, despite all of that and given everything Soroka has been through up until now, I still wouldn't bet against him.