Atlanta Braves Mike Soroka on DL; Danny Santana called up

Bad news for Atlanta Braves fans this afternoon and Mike Soroka returned to the 10-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.

Mark Bowman’s original tweet indicated the Atlanta Braves’ righty lost velocity on his fastball during his start in Toronto. His next tweet seemed back-off of the implication that the inflammation began in Toronto, noting the same drop occurred in his first game back against The Mets.

Mike Soroka started the season at Gwinnett and made five starts throwing 22 2/3 innings before joining the Braves on May first.  After his third start with Atlanta. the Braves sent him to disabled list May 17  with a strained shoulder.

The young righty made two rehab starts before returning to Atlanta on June 6, 3 2/3 innings with Rome and 4 /13 with Gwinnett. His first game back Mike carried a no-hitter into the seventh leaving after just 74 pitches. The Braves won that game 2-0.

Three days ago in Toronto, he allowed eight hits and four runs before departing after just  4 1/3 innings and 77 pitches

Whenever it began, the appearance of inflammation in the shoulder of a 20-year old pitcher after just 25 1/3 major league innings and 832 (all levels) pitches is troubling.

Soroka told reporters his arm simply felt tired but caused no pain. and the MRI found no visible problems in the shoulder even though his velocity dropped to 88 mph before he left the game.

The Braves announced Brandon McCarthy starts the Sunday game in Soroka’s stead. 

Soroka’s departure left a vacancy on the 25-man roster but instead of calling up another pitcher as they have all season. the Braves selected the contract of Danny Santana. The Braves moved Jose Ramirez to the 60-day DL to make room for Santana.

Santana’s back

Santana appeared in 69 games for the Braves after the Twins designated him for assignment. After reaching base only once  – on a walk – in his first 18 PA, he hit safely in eight of his next thirteen games including a homer, a triple and six doubles. That was the end of his productivity in 2017 

In the remaining 47 games, Santana went 17 for 94 posting a .181/.230/.298/.528 line. .232 wOBA and 37 wRC+. The Braves released him after the season then signed him as a minor league free agent. This season in AAA he’s been a different hitter.

In 54 games for the Stripers, Santana posted a .179/.300/.539/.839 line with a .365 wOBA and 131 wRC+.  Along the way, he smacked 18 doubles, 3 triples,11 home runs, stole eight bases while being caught in the act just twice. He still walks too little (3.4%) and strikes out too much (24.6%) for a player not known for his power.  Before we get too excited, Santana’s done this before.

His 2015 AAA numbers for the Twins were just as good but his performance in Minnesota culminated with a .532 OPS and 38 wRC+. He started hot for then Twins that year, here’s hoping he starts hot for us.

The puzzle

The rationale for his call-up is as yet unknown.  Ronald Acuna Jr. begins his rehab work at Gwinnett this week and should be back soon though the Braves won’t rush him.

Santana’s primarily an outfielder these days. In the past teams plugged him in at second base 11 times, third base six times and at short 103 times early in his career; he not good at any of those positions. He’s nominally a switch hitter but hasn’t ht lefties well at the major league level.

Maybe the Braves are going to move Ryan Flaherty. Right now we only know the bullpen ranks decreased by one and a bench bat joined the fray.

That’s a wrap

Mike Foltynewicz threw a side session today and provided he feels okay tomorrow, the Braves will start him Monday against the Reds.

The Braves needed another bat and Santana’s is as good as most they have available.  The big issue ahead becomes the rotation and protecting young arms like Soroka’s.

While fans scream for Kolby Allard, there’s no indication he’ll be called back soon. Luiz Gohara threw three good innings at Gwinnett and I’d expect him back before any further arms are added to the roster. Ramirez move to the 60-day DL doesn’t seem like a good sign for his return any time soon.

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The Braves signed their 11th round pick Cameron Kurz today but there’s been no word on the remaining selectees. As soon as I know more I’ll get something up here at the Take.