Michael Soroka fires back in second round after Braves exit

After a fantastic Spring Training, Michael Soroka’s White Sox debut began about as terribly as imaginable.

He gave up a triple to the first batter he faced, followed by a single, a walk, and two more singles. It was 3-0 before Soroka got an out, but he settled in beautifully and finished the game strong.

Soroka went on to finish five innings on 77 pitches, which was not awful considering how things started, allowing only three hits and one run the rest of the day. It was finally some positive momentum, and he carried it into his second start against the Royals yesterday. Maple Maddux pitched six innings, allowing two runs on six hits with no walks and a few strikeouts.

Unfortunately, the White Sox were blown out 10-1 by the Royals, something Soroka will have to adjust to with his new team. Chicago is one of the poorest teams in the American League, but this is all about gaining experience for the former Braves starter. That was usually what he needed most after such a long break, and it wasn’t going to happen in Atlanta.

Even though it was unpleasant, parting ways with Soroka was best for both him and the organization. If he can stay healthy, I believe he has a good chance of regaining his prior form before becoming a free agent at the end of the year.

Who knows. Perhaps a reunion is in the cards. If Max Fried leaves free agency and Charlie Morton retires, the Braves will undoubtedly require more starting pitchers next winter. I wouldn’t rule it out, which is one of the many reasons I’ll be paying careful attention to Soroka this season.