CHICAGO – Michael Soroka is preparing for his return to the Chicago Cubs after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Soroka showed his progress by pitching 2.1 innings with one earned run in a rehab appearance with the Triple-A Iowa team on Thursday. His velocity reached 96.6 mph, a significant improvement compared to his pre-injury performance.
“He will be activated for his next outing,” manager Craig Counsell said before Friday’s game against Tampa Bay. “The exact date is to be determined.”
Soroka was acquired in a trade with Washington. The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher started on August 4 against Cincinnati, pitching two innings in his Cubs debut before being affected by his shoulder issue.
In the current season, Soroka has a 3-8 record with an ERA of 4.86 in 17 starts. There is consideration for him to work from the bullpen upon returning to the team.
In addition, Counsell reported that Daniel Palencia did throwing exercises before the start of the series against the Rays. The 25-year-old closer was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday due to a strain in his right shoulder.
It was like a “diagnostic pitch,” to assess how he feels,” Counsell explained. “We hope he feels good so he can move forward.
Craig Counsell
Palencia has a 1-6 record with an ERA of 3.00 and a career high of 22 saves in 51 innings in 52 appearances this year. In his first two years in the Major Leagues, he pitched a total of 43 innings in 37 games.
Cubs All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker is also on the injured list with a left calf strain. Counsell indicated that he does not believe Tucker will be ready to be activated on Tuesday, the date he is eligible to return.
Currently, what affects him most is running,” Counsell commented. “We are working on biking, batting, and throwing. We hope he has no symptoms over the weekend. That will allow us to get back on the field and start running.
Craig Counsell
Seiya Suzuki, Cubs’ star hitter, was not in the starting lineup against Tampa Bay due to illness. Moisés Ballesteros replaced him as the designated hitter.
