Soroka Returns to the Mound with the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs activated right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka from the 15-day injured list before Monday night’s game against Pittsburgh.
Soroka acted as a reliever and pitched two innings from the bullpen in the Cubs’ 4-0 victory.
The Cubs acquired Soroka from Washington in the trade deadline with the idea that he would be a starter.
However, Soroka pitched only two innings in his debut with the Cubs against Cincinnati on August 4 and was removed with a right shoulder strain. Soroka made a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa and allowed one run in 2⅔ innings.
Soroka is 3-8 this season with an ERA of 4.86 in 17 starts.
Right-handed pitcher Ben Brown was optioned to Iowa in a corresponding move. He is 5-8 with a 5.92 ERA in 25 games, including 15 starts.
Cubs closer Daniel Palencia threw from the mound for the first time since going on the injured list on September 8 with a right shoulder strain. He has converted 22 of 25 save opportunities and has a 3.00 ERA in 52 games.
Designated hitter Seiya Suzuki was not in the lineup on Monday due to bronchitis.
Catcher Miguel Amaya began a rehab assignment with Iowa. A left ankle sprain has kept him out of action since August 14, and he has only played in one Major League game since May 25 after suffering an oblique strain at the start of the season.
The Cubs hold the first wild card spot in the National League.
