Once again, Michael Soroka has faced adversity, and this time, it’s disrupted his promising return to Major League Baseball. After an absence of nearly three years, Soroka’s future remains uncertain due to yet another season-ending ailment.

Braves manager Brian Snitker recently revealed that Soroka will miss the remainder of the season due to right forearm inflammation. While this news was somewhat optimistic compared to the fear of structural damage in his elbow, it still marks a setback for the injury-prone pitcher. The setback occurred during Soroka’s start against the Cardinals when he experienced numbness in his fingers. Unfortunately, this outing was only his sixth big league start of the season, and his first since July 21. “He’s had everything thrown at him these past few years, and he’s handled it all,” commented Snitker. “That’s why he came back. He’s a strong individual.”

Soroka’s triumphant return to the Majors took place on May 29 when the Braves called him up from Triple-A Gwinnett to face the A’s. This marked his first regular-season appearance since his initial right Achilles tendon tear on August 3, 2020. Regrettably, he suffered the same Achilles injury merely by walking in the Braves’ clubhouse during treatment and rehab on June 24, 2021.

Despite the feel-good narrative of Soroka’s return, he made just two starts before being sent back to Triple-A. He ended up with a 6.40 ERA over 32 1/3 innings for Atlanta this season. Even before Soroka’s recent season-ending injury, his future with the Braves seemed uncertain. His struggles this year increased the likelihood that he might not be tendered a contract, especially considering he will be out of minor league options next year. This means he can’t be sent down without first clearing waivers, complicating his path.

Soroka’s journey has been marked by challenges and injuries, with his rookie season in 2019 being the highlight. Unfortunately, that year has been the only relatively injury-free season for him so far. Despite the setbacks, his determination and work ethic suggest that he may still find a way to rewrite his story.

“Clearly, the guy is a hard worker,” noted Braves first baseman Matt Olson. “He’s been through some hurdles. So, I’d never count him out.”