Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos told Fox Sports South that right-hander Mike Soroka could make his season debut in mid-April, David O’Brien of The Athletic relays. Soroka got through his third simulated game of the spring without any issues Friday. The 23-year-old remains on the comeback trail from a torn right Achilles that limited him to three starts last season. Before that, Soroka burst on the scene with 174 2/3 innings of 2.68 ERA pitching in 2019.
More from the National League East:
- Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto played a sim game Friday and could make his Grapefruit League debut next week, manager Joe Girardi announced (via Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer). The star has been on the mend from a fractured right thumb. Girardi added that outfielder Adam Haseley is “ahead of schedule” in his recovery from a groin strain. Haseley, who went down March 5, hasn’t officially been ruled out for Opening Day.
- Sticking with the Phillies, righty Vince Velasquez has an oblique injury, Girardi told Matt Gelb of The Athletic and other reporters. The severity is unknown, but oblique injuries often lead to absences that last for multiple weeks. It could be another shot to Philly’s staff, which has also seen Zach Eflin and Spencer Howard deal with injuries this spring. Velasquez could be their fifth starter to open 2021 if Eflin and Howar aren’t ready to go. In the event all three are shelved, though, it might open the door for veteran minor league addition Ivan Nova to claim a job.
- Nationals center fielder Victor Robles exited Friday’s game with back tightness, per Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post. It doesn’t seem particularly serious, but the Nats will know more Saturday. Meanwhile, it was an encouraging day for righty Stephen Strasburg, who got through a 74-pitch sim game without any problems, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com tweets. A calf injury has slowed Strasburg this spring, after the former World Series MVP missed almost all of 2020 – the first season of a seven-year, $245MM contract – with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Mets slugger Dominic Smith informed Anthony DiComo of MLB.com and other reporters that he could return to Grapefruit League action as early as Sunday. Smith, the favorite to start in left field for the Mets, has been dealing with a right wrist issue that has sidelined him for the past couple of the days. He posted back-to-back excellent seasons at the plate from 2019-20, during which he combined for a .299/.366/.571 line with 21 home runs in 396 PA.
Nova is the type of pitcher who could be serviceable while others are injured. Nothing great, but he has his stretches.
For the Tigers, Nova was the guy who was injured!
LOL
I know it’s random, but is anyone interested in creating a MLBTR fantasy baseball league? I’ve never played it in a full season (last year I played it when it was shorted of course) so I’m not sure if the league could be shortened or not. Regardless, if anyone is interested reply to this message and let’s start a league!
Dude. I’ve literally been posting comments about this all night on other posts. I already set one up and at least 6 other MLBTR commenters have joined already. It’s an ESPN league with no money involved. Just bragging rights only. The only rule is maintain your team and don’t quit. email me at: TheAtlantaBravesGuy@gmail.com to join. I just posted a couple hours ago and I think the max is 14 so e-mail me quick if you want in so I can invite you. again: TheAtlantaBravesGuy@gmail.com
I’m interested but how many games will it be? Is the fantasy season going to be the full MLB 2021 season? I want to play but if it’s way too long of a season I can’t promise I’ll maintain the whole year lol, I have a 2 year old and a son on the way in June lol going to be a busy dad. But regardless I’ll do my best to play as often and maintain it
I just sent email
I sent an email to that address
No way Nova makes the team. puts us over budget.
I figure they would just give De Los Santos a few starts at this point.
@DarkSide that was my first thought too, no way they go over for the likes of Ivan Nova. Efflin and Howard’s injuries don’t sound like they’ll be out for months or anything, so I could see them giving Llovera a shot since he’s already on the 40 man. Not good to be this thin on pitching to start the year though. Any more injuries to that rotation and they’re in big trouble.
Id do Medina first. Llovera was late to camp and the former was working as a SP. they sent him down but can probably bring him right back up if they use an IL spot.
Roll with De los Santos as the #5 to start the year if those guys arent ready. I’m not sure why he never gets any opportunities. Adonis Medina would be my 2nd choice, followed by Mauricio Llovera. Just cant see them making a 40-man roster move to add Nova.