Breaking: Former Top Starter To Make MLB Return After 3-Year Absence

After three arduous years of trying to make it back to the majors, the time is finally here. Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos hinted this morning on MLB Network Radio that Mike Soroka will be summoned from Triple-A tomorrow to make his first start since 2020.

Mike Soroka will join the #Braves and start tomorrow for them.
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) May 28, 2023

Anthopolous told Jim Bowden that Soroka has been scratched from his scheduled start at Gwinnett today, and that the Braves will need a starter on Monday.

"Without me having to announce any type of moves for the team, that's pretty telling," laughed AA. "We believe he's ready to help our team... Excited to see him." The Braves GM was at Gwinnett to watch Soroka's most recent start for the team, and came away impressed.

What Soroka, 25, has been through in the past three years is tough to fathom. After breaking through in his rookie year in 2019, Soroka went 13-4 that season for the Braves, with a 2.68 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and a 142:41 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was runner-up for Rookie of the Year.

But then came a tragic set of circumstances. He tore his Achilles early in the 2020 season, then a year later as he was working his way back, tore it again.

The hard-luck pitcher was ready to return, finally, late in 2022, when inflammation in his pitching elbow shut him down for the rest of the season. Thankfully, there was no structural damage.

"With Mike, the work ethic is off the charts, the aptitude is off the charts, and he's going to have a really long career."

And it all resumes, finally, on Monday.

Photo: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports