ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Manager, Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves makes a pitching change during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on September 2, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves already look like they’re trending up for the playoffs but now Mike Soroka’s coming return could provide reinforcements.
Even if the Atlanta Braves are still trailing the hated Mets in the NL East entering September, there are a ton of reasons to be optimistic about the club as they head toward the postseason and potentially a return trip to the World Series.
But now another return is looming for the organization and it’s one that could help them achieve the ultimate goal of defending their World Series crown come October.
On Friday, young starter Mike Soroka — who has had ungodly injury luck after tearing his Achilles twice and then taking a comebacker to the leg in his earlier rehab start this year — made a rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett.
And he was dominant.
Braves: Mike Soroka return could provide Atlanta with massive reinforcement for playoffs
Over four innings for the Gwinnett Stripers, Soroka went four innings allowing just one hit, no runs, no walks and struck out five batters. He was also not the only Braves young star to be in the lineup on Friday as Ozzie Albies hit leadoff and went 2-for-3 on the night.
While the return of Albies will be welcomed when it comes, Soroka might be the bigger deal for Atlanta as they head into the postseason.
Even before trade deadline pickup Jake Odorizzi was scratched from Saturday’s start with an injury, a team can never have too much pitching in the playoffs. So having Soroka, who has been dominant in the majors in his young career prior to his injury, join rookie sensation Spencer Strider and ace Max Fried in the rotation (or even as a utility arm) would be huge.
There will be more rehab starts for Soroka before he heads back to the majors but the Braves have to like what they’re seeing right now and what he could bring to the team upon returning.