When the Atlanta Braves recalled Michael Soroka before yesterday's game against the Cardinals, there was celebration across Braves country as Soroka is widely beloved by fans. Unfortunately, the good times were short as Soroka got shelled early and had to leave the game after a handful of innings after experiencing numbness in his throwing hand.
The exact nature of Soroka's injury is still unknown, but him being placed on the injured list was a foregone conclusion. Well, the Braves wasted no time in making the move while also adding another struggling Braves arm to the ranks of the wounded.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Darius Vines and RHP Ben Heller to Atlanta, and placed RHP Michael Soroka (right forearm inflammation) and RHP Collin McHugh (right shoulder inflammation) on the 15-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 6, 2023
Braves place Michael Soroka and Collin McHugh on the injured list, recall Vines and Heller
This is, on the whole, a really sad day. Based on manager Brian Snitker's comments after the game last night, it sounds like Soroka's injury could be a serious one and it isn't unlikely that his start last nigh could be the last one he makes in a Braves uniform. McHugh's struggles out of the bullpen have been well-documented of late and him heading to the IL yet again this season could very well mean that he won't make the postseason roster.
In their place, Darius Vines and Ben Heller have been recalled to the big leagues. Heller is a known quantity at this point having made 17 appearances with Atlanta this season while posting a 4.41 ERA. Vines just made his big league debut last week and was impressive while shutting down an admittedly bad Rockies team at Coors Field. He was expected to get another chance at some point this season, although not quite this soon.
All things considered, the Braves are in a good spot especially if Kyle Wright can round back into form during his rehab assignment. However, this was yet another reminder that a player's fortunes can turn very quickly no matter how deep into the season it is.