Atlanta Braves Rotation Loses Mike Soroka to Shoulder Injury

The first Atlanta Braves spring training game is yet to begin and we already have our first injury. Mike Soroka has a shoulder injury that will have the prospect shut down for the foreseeable future.

The Atlanta Braves have shut down top prospect Mike Soroka. Soroka came into camp with a shoulder injury the team has deemed serious enough to shut the young pitcher down. It is a blow to the rotation considering the step forward he was expected to take.

Soroka suffered a shoulder injury during an off-season workout and was experiencing discomfort when he came to the Braves Spring Training facilities.

Shutting him down is the right move for Atlanta, but a frustrating one for a pitcher facing yet another injury. With his second serious injury in as many seasons, it is time to begin to be concerned about his durability or long term value to the team.

Shoulder injuries for pitchers are serious issues that often require weeks of rehab and reconditioning to get their throwing motion back. Add in the fact Soroka is still a very young pitcher learning to face Major League hitters and it seems doubtful he will have an impact for at least the early portion of the Braves season.

This opens up at least one spot in the Braves rotation for competition this spring. Promising more entertainment for Braves fans considering the roster seemed already predetermined.

Soroka’s injury could open up the Braves to exploring other free agent options as well. Whether that is adding a non-roster veteran or a top of the rotation option Atlanta could look a bit harder at their free agent options.

Soroka is yet to have a timetable to begin rehab and may undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. More to come as the story develops on the young Braves pitcher.