Michael

Soroka

Soroka had moments of success this past season, but also struggled with multiple injuries. He was particularly strong in the second half, posting a 2.01 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 21/10 K/BB ratio in 22.1 innings. He was also particularly effective out of the bullpen in 2024, so it remains to be seen how Arizona plans to deploy him. However, we would assume he will at least begin the season in the Diamondbacks’ rotation.

Soroka, who left his Cubs debut on Aug. 4 with a shoulder strain, is back after just one rehab appearance in which he allowed one run in 2 1/3 innings as a reliever. He’s not currently slated to start this week, but he’s ready if needed out of the pen.

When that will take place is still to be determined. Soroka allowed one run over 2 1/3 innings Thursday in a rehab start, and the Cubs liked enough of what they saw to suggest he’s ready for MLB action again. It’s likely he’ll be on a somewhat-strict pitch count, but there’s a chance he’ll work deep enough over the final two weeks to qualify for wins.

The 28-year-old right-hander allowed one run on just one hit over 2 1/3 innings of work while striking out three. Soroka came on to start the fifth inning and pitched into the seventh. The only hit that he allowed was a solo homer by Jack Suwinski in the sixth inning. He threw 38 pitches on the night, 22 of those for strikes. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll need another tune-up like this before he’s cleared to rejoin the Cubs in some capacity.

Soroka’s velocity was reportedly back up in the mid-90’s during the throwing session as he continues to work his way back from a shoulder strain that he suffered back in early August during his Cubs debut. The 28-year-old has a chance to make it back to Chicago in some capacity before the regular season wraps up, but he’s racing against the clock with less than four weeks left.

There’s a chance that Soroka’s season is over, depending on the severity of the strain, which remains unclear for the moment. The 28-year-old righty was removed from his Cubs debut on Monday night against the Reds after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort. He was acquired last week from the Nationals in exchange for a pair of prospects.

Soroka was removed from his Cubs debut on Monday night against the Reds after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort. There should be an official diagnosis at some point in the coming days, but fantasy managers should brace for an extended absence.

It’s not what you want to see. Soroka lasted just two innings in his Chicago debut before leaving the contest after just 31 pitches. The 28-year-old righty was pretty durable earlier this year with the Nationals, requiring only one trip to the injured list due to a biceps issue. There should be an update on his status following Monday’s contest.

Soroka provides Chicago with an immediate upgrade in the back-end of the rotation heading into the final two months before he reaches free agency. The 27-year-old right-hander’s velocity has been dipping in recent weeks, but he should benefit from a vastly superior defense behind him with the Cubs. He’s pitched to a serviceable 4.87 ERA and 87/24 K/BB ratio across 81 1/3 innings (16 starts) this season for the Nationals.

Soroka’s fastball velocity has been trending in the wrong direction over the last few weeks, but the Cubs are going to gamble that he’ll provide some stability in the back-end of their rotation mix. The 27-year-old impending free agent has posted a respectable 4.87 ERA and 87/24 K/BB ratio across 81 1/3 innings (16 starts) this season for the Nationals.