UPDATE: The Chicago Cubs are grappling with a significant setback as newly acquired pitcher Mike Soroka has been placed on the injured list following his first start with the team. Soroka exited the game on Monday, October 16, 2023, with shoulder discomfort, raising urgent concerns regarding his health and the decision to trade for him.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the risks involved in the trade. “We knew the velocity was trending down,” Hoyer stated, emphasizing that they had extensively discussed Soroka’s declining performance. “Given the market, given the asking price…we felt like it was a good bet to make. Right now, it’s not looking like a good bet.”
Soroka, who previously pitched for the Washington Nationals, had shown troubling signs before joining the Cubs, including a 2 mph drop in fastball velocity. Despite this, the Cubs traded two prospects, outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cru, to acquire him. Hoyer noted that the team had conducted thorough due diligence, stating, “That risk profile was known. We did a lot of research, and if it doesn’t work out, it’s on me.”
This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cubs, who are already struggling with their rotation after losing lefty Justin Steele due to a season-ending elbow injury, as well as Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon to their own ailments. The team continues to search for reliable options, and righty Ben Brown stepped in to replace Soroka in Monday’s game, which ended in a 3-2 loss for the Cubs.
While the Cubs are hopeful that Soroka will avoid a long-term absence and could return to pitch out of the bullpen before the end of the regular season, the immediate future appears bleak. Manager Craig Counsell remarked, “There’s risk. So far, it didn’t turn out well.” With the playoffs on the horizon, the pressure is mounting on the Cubs as they ponder the implications of this trade.
As the Cubs navigate this tumultuous situation, fans are left wondering how this will affect their pennant race, especially with the potential of having traded for a pitcher who may only contribute a handful of innings. The organization faces a challenging decision ahead as they attempt to bolster their roster while managing the fallout from this injury.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and the Cubs work to address their pitching woes amidst mounting pressure.
