Michael Soroka returning to Braves mound after 1,000 days since last start, 2 Achilles tears

ATLANTA — It’s been 1,028 days since Michael Soroka has pitched in a Major League Baseball game. On Monday, he’s expected to take the hill for the Braves against the Oakland A’s in his return.

Soroka battled back from two Achilles tears and multiple surgeries. His return comes at a time where the Braves’ starting rotation is missing Max Fried and Kyle Wright with their own injuries.

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Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo spoke to Soroka, who said he’s always believed he would make it back. He expressed gratitude for the organization’s support.

“I think anytime you get to be there with one team and that team stuck with you through struggles is special. Especially in today’s game,” Soroka said.

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If you’re wondering if anyone has come back from tearing his Achilles twice in MLB, there’s actually another current player: Chicago White Sox third baseman Jake Burger.

The infielder torn his Achilles in 2018 and then re-tore the same one a few months later. Now in 2023, he’s off to a great start, hitting .252 with 10 home runs and 24 RBI.

After Soroka tore his Achilles a second time, Braves general manager Alex Anthopolous connected Burger and Soroka.

“He was huge for me the couple of times that I talked to him and been in touch with him. It’s going to take longer but you’re going to be able to get back there.”

The Braves face the A’s for a three-game series in Oakland. It will also be the return to Oakland for Braves catcher Sean Murphy, who Atlanta acquired in an offseason trade.

Monday’s first pitch is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET. Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET and the series finale is Wednesday at 3:37 p.m. ET.

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