Atlanta Braves 2023 season review

Following an impressive 2019 season, Michael Soroka was anticipated to be the rising star pitcher, earning the nickname “Maple Maddox” for his precise control and intelligent pitching. Despite his promising start, the nightmare unfolded in 2020 when he tore his right Achilles, sidelining him for the entire year. Despite extensive rehab, setbacks persisted, and a second Achilles injury occurred in 2021. However, Soroka made a triumphant return in 2022, pitching for the Rome Braves and later the Gwinnett Stripers before rejoining the major leagues in 2023.

In the 2023 season, Soroka’s return brought hope to the struggling Braves rotation. Initially performing well in the minors, he encountered challenges upon his return to the majors, facing difficulties against the A’s and Diamondbacks. Despite a brief return to the minors where he excelled, his subsequent major league starts remained inconsistent, showcasing flashes of brilliance but falling short of his dominant self. Eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox in a deal involving Aaron Bummer, Soroka aims for a fresh start, with both teams seeking a return to historical performance.

While Soroka’s injuries disrupted his career for three years, his 2019 contributions were crucial in establishing the Braves as a formidable MLB team. Despite the rollercoaster 2023, excelling in AAA but facing struggles in the majors, Soroka’s journey with the White Sox will be closely watched, hoping for a return to his earlier form and proving to be a valuable asset for Chicago.