BREAKING: Chicago Cubs starter Michael Soroka has been placed on the injured list due to right shoulder discomfort, just hours after his debut with the team. The announcement came shortly after the Cubs fell 3-2 to the Cincinnati Reds on July 31, 2023.
Soroka, who celebrated his 28th birthday on the same day, departed the game in the second inning after experiencing a troubling sensation in his shoulder while throwing a pitch. “Went to go put a little extra on a fastball and it grabbed me a little bit,” Soroka said post-game. “And it didn’t go away.” With this injury, the Cubs face a pressing need for fresh arms in their rotation.
The Cubs acquired Soroka from the Washington Nationals last week in exchange for two prospects, hoping to bolster their pitching staff before the MLB trade deadline. However, the team is now left scrambling for alternatives as both Jameson Taillon (calf) and Javier Assad (oblique) are still recovering from injuries.
In his debut, Soroka struck out two batters in the first inning with a strong performance, showcasing his signature slurve. However, his velocity dropped significantly in the second inning, culminating in a home run allowed to Tyler Stephenson before he exited the game. “It’s never fun. I’m embarrassed,” Soroka expressed, reflecting on the disappointment of not being able to contribute to his new team.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented on the situation, noting, “We didn’t have any signs of it. His velocity has gone backwards. This is unfortunate.” The Cubs had relied on Soroka as their only major addition to the starting rotation, making his sudden injury a significant setback.
Prior to his trade, Soroka had a 3-8 record and a 4.87 ERA with the Nationals, indicating a struggle in his performance. He underwent an MRI before the trade, which returned clear results. Despite his previous issues with velocity, Soroka had been optimistic about his new opportunity with the Cubs.
In the absence of Soroka, Ben Brown took over pitching duties on Monday, but his performance has been inconsistent as a starter. The Cubs are in urgent need of solutions as they navigate a challenging stretch with their pitching staff.
As the team looks to recover from this blow, fans are left wondering how the Cubs will adapt to this latest challenge. The Cubs are expected to provide further updates on Soroka’s condition and the implications for their rotation in the coming days. Stay tuned for more developments on this breaking story.
