Former All-Star pitcher set to make first start for Braves since 2020

Michael Soroka is expected to make the start for the Atlanta Braves on Monday, completing a return to the major leagues that has been nearly three years in the making.

During the 2020 season Soroka looked like he was on a fast track to stardom in the Braves rotation when he tore his right Achilles tendon. 

As if that injury was not bad enough, he tore it again a year later during his rehab. He experienced more tightness around the Achilles during his second rehab last year, again delaying his hopeful return to the majors.

But it finally seems like he is in a position to return.

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos said on Sirius XM on Sunday that Soroka is the next pitcher in line for when the Braves need a starter. When asked when that could potentially be, Anthopoulos said Monday.

Before the injuries started Soroka was rapidly developing into a front-line starter for the Braves, owning a 15-6 record and 2.86 ERA (159 ERA+) in his first 37 starts. It is hard to know exactly what the Braves should expect from him at this point not only because of the injuries and the small sample size of starts, but because he has pitched so little in the majors over the past four years.

While his last start was in 2020, nearly three years ago, he made just three starts that entire season. Those are his only three appearances in the ,ajors over a four-year stretch. That is a long time to be away from the highest level of competition, especially when dealing with major injury issues.

No matter what he does, the fact he has been able to work his way back after all of that is a victory and accomplishment on its own. It will definitely be a special game for him and the Braves when he does make his next appearance.