URGENT UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs are grappling with a major setback following the injury of pitcher Mike Soroka, who was just acquired from the Washington Nationals. In a shocking turn of events, Soroka exited his first start with the Cubs on Monday due to shoulder discomfort, leading to his immediate placement on the injured list.
Officials confirm that Soroka’s velocity had been declining prior to the trade, raising alarms among the team’s management. Jed Hoyer, Cubs President of Baseball Operations, acknowledged on Tuesday, “We knew the velocity was trending down… it’s not looking like a good bet.” The Cubs traded two prospects—outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cru—for Soroka, who was anticipated to bolster their struggling rotation.
Soroka’s statistics this season include a record of 3-8 and a 4.87 ERA with the Nationals. Although some metrics suggested potential, a concerning 2 mph drop in his fastball led to an MRI just before his final appearance for the Nationals. “For my peace of mind, we decided to check that box off,” Soroka stated after Monday’s 3-2 loss against the Nationals.
The Cubs are facing a mounting crisis on the mound, having already lost Justin Steele to a season-ending elbow injury and Shota Imanaga to a hamstring issue. As they seek to fill the gaps, right-hander Jameson Taillon is also sidelined with a calf injury, limiting the team’s options as they navigate the pennant race.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed the team’s awareness of the risks involved in acquiring Soroka, stating, “There’s risk. So far, it didn’t turn out well.” The organization had hoped for a turnaround, but Soroka’s current status raises questions about whether the Cubs will see any return on their investment.
Hoyer remains optimistic about Soroka’s future contributions if he can return before the regular season concludes, potentially transitioning to a bullpen role. However, the team faces uncertainty as they weigh the implications of trading away prospects for a player who may only contribute minimally this season.
As the Cubs continue to struggle with their rotation, they may need to turn to Ben Brown, who stepped in for Soroka on Monday, to keep the team competitive. The franchise must now contend with the reality of trading for an injured player at a critical moment in the season, with fans and analysts alike contemplating the potential fallout.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation develops. The Cubs are left to ponder their decision and the future of their pitching staff as they aim for postseason success.