CHICAGO – The Cubs acquired right-hander Michael Soroka ahead of last week’s Trade Deadline with the idea that he could offer depth for both the rotation and bullpen. That plan is now in flux following a setback in the pitcher’s debut for the ballpark on Monday night.
In a 3-2 loss to the Reds, Soroka exited his first start for the Cubs after only two innings due to right shoulder discomfort, per the team. After the loss, manager Craig Counsell said Soroka would be heading to the injured list, while the team assesses the injury and his timetable for return.
The pitcher could be seen in Chicago’s dugout talking things over with pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and a member of the Cubs’ medical staff before retreating to the clubhouse.
The severity of Soroka’s injury was not immediately known, but it throws a wrench into the current state of the Cubs’ staff. Upon Soroka’s arrival, the Cubs opted to move righty Ben Brown to the bullpen as a multi-inning arm, but he was pressed into duty against Cincinnati in the wake of Soroka’s departure.
The Cubs sent outfield prospect Christian Franklin and infield prospect Ronny Cruz to the Nationals on Wednesday night in order to reel in Soroka. Over the past month, the righty’s fastball velocity had dropped (Per Statcast, 94.4 mph average in June and 92.1 in July), and remained down on Monday (90.8 mph average).
Soroka struck out the side in the first inning, but then allowed a two-out solo homer to Reds catcher Tyer Stephenson in the second. After avoiding any more damage in that frame, the righty made his exit.
As things stand, the Cubs’ rotation features Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga at the top, along with rookie Cade Horton and veteran Colin Rea. Jameson Taillon is currently on a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa and needs at least one more start before rejoining the staff. Righty Javier Assad is also on the injured list and on the comeback trail.