Soroka will miss rest of year with right forearm inflammation

ATLANTA -- Michael Soroka beat the odds when he returned to the Majors, after an absence of nearly three full years. But yet another season-ending ailment has once again created uncertainty regarding his future.

Braves manager Brian Snitker announced Soroka will miss the rest of this season with right forearm inflammation. This revelation was actually promising, given there were concerns the injury-plagued pitcher might be dealing with structural damage in his elbow.

Soroka exited Tuesday night’s start against the Cardinals with numbness in his fingers. He allowed five runs over three innings in what was his sixth big league start of the season and first since July 21.

“He’s had everything thrown at him these past few years, and he’s handled it all,” Snitker said. “That’s why he came back. He’s a strong individual.”

Soroka made an emotional return to the Majors on May 29, when the Braves called him up from Triple-A Gwinnett to start against the A’s. This marked the first time he had pitched in a regular-season game since he first tore his right Achilles tendon on Aug. 3, 2020. He tore the same Achilles while simply walking in the Braves' clubhouse for treatment and rehab on June 24, 2021.

Soroka’s return was a feel-good story that showed the value of determination. But he made just two starts before being sent back to the Triple-A level. He ended up posting a 6.40 ERA over 32 1/3 innings for Atlanta.

Even before Soroka suffered the season-ending injury on Tuesday, his future with the Braves was in doubt. His struggles this year strengthened the likelihood he would be a non-tender candidate, especially given he will be out of options next year. There would no longer be the ability to send him down without first passing him through waivers.

So, Soroka’s future with Atlanta might rest with his willingness to accept a Minor League deal.

This is certainly not the ending that was envisioned when Soroka debuted for the Braves in 2018 at just 20 years old. A shoulder ailment limited that season to five starts. Another shoulder ailment delayed his start to the 2019 season. But he dazzled throughout that season, posting a 2.68 ERA and finishing second in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Unfortunately, that proved to be the only relatively healthy season he has experienced thus far. But his willingness to fight his way back over the past three years creates reason to think he can do everything in his power to construct a different ending.

“Clearly, the guy is a hard worker,” Braves first baseman Matt Olson said. “He’s been through some hurdles. So, I’d never count him out.”