UPDATE: Chicago Cubs starter Michael Soroka is headed to the injured list after suffering right shoulder discomfort during his debut against the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, 2023. The team confirmed the news after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss, leaving fans and players concerned about the impact on the team’s pitching roster.
Soroka, who just turned 28 on Monday, experienced the injury while throwing a pitch in the second inning. “I went to put a little extra on a fastball and it grabbed me a little bit,” Soroka stated. He was unable to continue and did not return for the third inning.
The Cubs acquired Soroka from the Washington Nationals last week in exchange for two prospects, hoping to bolster their starting rotation. Despite a noticeable dip in velocity over the past month, Soroka reported feeling no pain before taking the mound. “Everyone knew the velocity hadn’t been there the last month. I still had life on everything,” he said, reflecting on his brief performance.
In the first inning, Soroka struck out two batters but faltered in the second, allowing a home run to Tyler Stephenson before departing the game. “You’re always concerned when you have to come out of the game. It’s never fun,” he added, expressing his disappointment in not being able to make an immediate impact with the Cubs.
With Soroka now sidelined, the Cubs face an urgent need for fresh arms in the rotation. Right-handers Jameson Taillon (calf) and Javier Assad (oblique) are recovering and expected to return soon, but the Cubs still face a pitching shortage. Ben Brown stepped in for Soroka but has struggled as a consistent starter.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the unexpected setback, stating, “We didn’t have any signs of it. His velocity has gone backwards. This is unfortunate.” The Cubs will need to quickly reassess their strategy as they head into the next phase of the season.
Soroka’s performance prior to the trade was less than stellar, with a record of 3-8 and a 4.87 ERA for the Nationals. The Cubs will now look to find a way to navigate this new challenge as they strive to keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the team evaluates their options, fans will be watching closely for updates on Soroka’s condition and how the Cubs will adjust their lineup moving forward. Stay tuned for more breaking news on this developing situation.