Outlook Michael Soroka
Michael Soroka nears return from shoulder injury as Diamondbacks push for postseason
Soroka has been sidelined on the injured list since late August due to shoulder discomfort, having logged a 5.81 ERA over his last three starts before the shutdown. The second-place Diamondbacks (76-68) sit in wild-card position following a two-game winning streak and sorely need pitching reinforcements. Fortunately, he completed a 60-pitch simulated game on Friday, putting him on the verge of reclaiming a rotation spot.
Before the injury, Soroka enjoyed a sterling comeback campaign, posting an 8-4 record with a 3.48 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts across 93 innings. That production comfortably outstrips our baseline 4.19 ERA projection, driven by a sharp 3.79 strikeout-to-walk ratio that proves his command gains are sustainable. Assuming clean health, he remains an effective ratio stabilizer down the stretch.
Arizona heads to Kansas City before hosting Texas, but Soroka has not yet been officially penciled into a rotation slot for either series. With zero innings in our weekly projection and pitch-count restrictions likely upon his return, rushing him into lineups carries excessive risk. Leave him stashed on your bench or injured list until he proves game-ready. Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
