Cubs Take Risk: Soroka, Out with Injury, Complicates Rotation

Chicago Cubs Take Chances with Mike Soroka

The Chicago Cubs acknowledged the inherent risks in acquiring pitcher Mike Soroka, whose velocity had decreased in his last performances with the Washington Nationals before the trade. Soroka left his first start with the Cubs on Monday due to shoulder discomfort, which led him to the injured list. The team reported on Tuesday night that Soroka suffered a shoulder strain and will be out of action for seven to ten days.

“We were aware of the decrease in speed,” commented Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations. “We analyzed this exhaustively. Considering the market and the price, we considered it a viable bet. Currently, it doesn’t seem to be a good investment.”
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations

Hoyer explained that the team tried to sign Soroka during the offseason, sensing potential in the right-handed pitcher, whose career has been affected by injuries. This season, Soroka recorded a 3-8 record with a 4.87 ERA for the Nationals, although some of his projected statistics were better than the actual ones. The 2 mph drop in his fastball generated concern, leading Soroka to undergo an MRI before his last start with the Nationals.

“For my peace of mind, we decided to check and at that moment no problem was detected,” Soroka stated after the Cubs’ 3-2 loss on Monday.
Mike Soroka

The Cubs chose not to assume the costs of many of the pitchers who changed teams, but they considered Soroka to be worth it. In return, they gave up two prospects: Triple-A outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cruz, although neither of them is considered elite.

“That risk profile was known,” Hoyer said about Soroka’s decreased velocity before the trade. “We spent a lot of time on it. We did extensive diligence, a lot of research, and if it doesn’t work, the responsibility is mine.”
Jed Hoyer, President of Baseball Operations

The Cubs have struggled to complete their rotation this season, after losing left-handed pitcher Justin Steele to a season-ending elbow injury, Shota Imanaga for more than a month due to a hamstring injury, and right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon due to a calf issue. The latter is in the process of recovering to return to the Major Leagues, as is Javier Assad, who has not pitched this season due to an oblique injury. The team could turn to right-handed pitcher Ben Brown to fill that spot in the rotation until help arrives. Brown replaced Soroka on Monday. The Cubs hope Soroka isn’t out for the rest of the year; he’s likely to pitch from the bullpen if he can return before the end of the regular season. Meanwhile, Chicago must assume they traded two prospects for a pitcher who might only throw two innings during the championship push.