White Sox's Michael Soroka: Likely staying in bullpen
Rotowire
White Sox manager Pedro Grifol indicated Monday that Soroka is likely to stay in the bullpen rather than take the rotation spot vacated by Brad Keller, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
Soroka threw four scoreless innings in relief of Keller on Saturday, but it sounds like he'll remain in a relief role for now after struggling mightily as a starter earlier this season (6.39 ERA). Nick Nastrini and Jonathan Cannon would seem to be candidates to fill Keller's role.
White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Tuesday that Soroka will move to the team's bullpen, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.
In nine starts this season, Soroka has managed an ugly 6.39 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 24:24 K:BB across 43.2 innings. He will remain stretched out as a long reliever, and Grifol didn't rule out Soroka eventually rejoining the rotation at some point later this season. Brad Keller will take over Soroka's spot in the rotation.
Soroka (0-5) yielded five runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk over 5.1 innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against Cleveland.
Soroka gave up one run through three innings before stumbling in the fourth. He coughed up two homers in the frame, including a two-run shot by David Fry. Soroka has surrendered at least one home run in eight of his nine starts this season. On a more positive note, Sunday was the first time he's issued fewer than two walks since April 4. Soroka now owns a 6.39 ERA with a 24:24 K:BB through 43.2 frames. His next start is projected to be a road matchup with the Yankees.
Soroka (0-4) took the loss Tuesday against the Rays, giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits and four walks over five innings as the White Sox fell 5-1. He struck out four.
The right-hander struggled to find the plate, throwing 59 of 102 pitches for strikes, and he didn't get much help from his defense or his offense. Soroka is still only 26 years old, but after missing most of three seasons due to multiple Achilles tears and other injuries, he simply may never regain the promise he showed in 2019. He'll carry a 6.34 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 20:23 K:BB through 38.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come this weekend at home against the Guardians.
