Soroka suffers setback on Achilles, set to undergo exploratory surgery

PBF Redbirds and Junior National Team alum Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) has suffered a setback in his rehab efforts for the torn Achilles tendon he suffered last August. Photo: Amanda Fewer

May 13, 2021

By Kevin Glew

Canadian Baseball Network

According to a report from Mark Bowman of MLB.com, right-hander Mike Soroka has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from the torn Achilles tendon injury he suffered last August and will undergo exploratory surgery early next week to deal with the issue.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed the report on Wednesday.

“I hate it for the kid,'' Snitker told reporters. “He's worked so hard to come back. I hate it for him personally to have this setback.''

In recent days, the 23-year-old Calgary native had reported feeling discomfort in his right Achilles again. It’s unknown how long the surgery will sideline him for, but he’s not expected back in the short term.

It’s another disappointing turn of events for the Junior National Team alum who has been sidelined with right shoulder discomfort since leaving his start at the Braves’ alternate site on April 6.. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation. Tests show no structural damage, but he hadn’t starting throwing again before he was placed on Braves’ 60-day injured list on April 30..

All reports had been positive on Soroka’s recovery from his Achilles injury until yesterday.

The Canadian right-hander made just three starts in 2020, but in his rookie campaign in 2019, he went 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.