The Braves made two roster moves on Wednesday morning. Collin McHugh is heading to the IL with right shoulder inflammation, and so is Michael Soroka with right forearm inflammation. In their place, Darius Vines and Ben Heller have been added to the active roster.
Collin McHugh has been dealing with shoulder problems since the start of the season. I’m not sure if this is a legitimate issue, but something has been off, and it looks like his season is over. I have a hard time believing he makes his way back and is a part of the Braves plans when it comes to the playoff roster.
The saddest part about these moves, however, is Michael Soroka. He left following the third inning of last night’s game, and Brian Snitker even said they believe it is a serious issue. Right forearm inflammation and numbness in the fingers is oftentimes the symptoms of a UCL injury, which can require Tommy John Surgery. That would mean another lengthy absence for the Mapple Maddux, and it’s fair to wonder if we’ve seen the last of him in a Braves uniform. Like most baseball fans, I’m praying for the best, but this feels like yet another gut punch to the major-league career of Michael Soroka.
Darius Vines will likely re-join the rotation as Atlanta’s fifth starter after a very impressive MLB debut against the Rockies. Ben Heller also gets another crack in the Braves bullpen and could be a candidate for the postseason roster, depending on the health of players like Jesse Chavez, Kyle Wright, and Nick Anderson.
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