The Atlanta Braves have recalled fan-favorite Michael Soroka from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioned Ben Heller back down as of this morning. According to Braves beat reporter, Mark Bowman, Soroka will start tonight in St. Louis.
This will be the sixth start of the season for Soroka with the big league club. So far this season, Soroka has pitched to a 2-1 record, 5.52 ERA, and 6.33 FIP…YIKES. That hurt me to type. However, it’s still a lot of love and upside with Soroka who has been mostly dominant down in Triple-A this season.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Michael Soroka to Atlanta and optioned RHP Ben Heller to Triple-A Gwinnett. Additionally, INF Ehire Adrianza tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with High-A Rome.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 5, 2023
In his 17 starts with Gwinnett, Soroka has a 3.41 ERA in 87 innings of work. The problem for Soroka at both levels has been finding his command with this newly made delivery post-injury. Soroka has a 3.4 walks per nine with the Braves this year, and it’s not much better with Gwinnett (2.9 BB/9).
His last start for Atlanta came back on July 21st against Milwaukee, a start in which he went 6 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 4 Ks. This move could tie into our speculation that the Braves are ready to give the workhorses of their rotation a breather down the stretch.
Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder have not missed a start this year, and the Braves have a big enough division lead, and good enough starting pitching depth to utilize a 6-man rotation so that those mentioned are well rested going into postseason play.
Not the worst idea, considering how the rotation looked against the Phillies in last year's NLDS. Hopefully, this strategy pays dividends and gets the arms some much-deserved rest down the stretch.
The Braves also announced that Ehire Adrianza will begin his rehab assignment with High-A Rome. Adrianza totaled just 10 ABs before going on the 60-day IL with a strained left shoulder on the 19th of May.