Michael Soroka Sidelined with Shoulder Strain Shortly After Cubs Trade Deadline Acquisition
Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka was placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, after experiencing a right shoulder strain during his first start for the team. This injury comes shortly after Soroka was acquired by the Cubs in a trade deadline deal, raising concerns about the risks the team took in securing him as an upgrade to their pitching rotation.
Soroka, who turned 28 on Monday, suffered the injury during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, only making it through two innings. He started strong by striking out three batters in the first inning and conceding just a solo homer in the second. However, by the second frame, his fastball velocity dropped dramatically from his season average of 93.5 mph to around 89 mph. The right-hander reported feeling his shoulder “grab” as he tried to add extra velocity to a pitch, and the discomfort persisted, prompting him to leave the mound and notify the Cubs’ coaching staff.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed after the game that Soroka would be placed on the IL, a move the Cubs made official the following afternoon. Although the initial estimate for his absence is at least two weeks, the team and fans fear the injury could sideline the pitcher for a longer period.
“It’s never fun—it’s embarrassing. You come to this organization hoping to hit the ground running, and two innings later, we’re having to pull the plug,” Soroka said, reflecting on his unfortunate start with Chicago.
Velocity issues had been a concern for Soroka even before joining the Cubs. Over recent weeks, his fastball speed had trended downward, with his average velocity decreasing to just above 90 mph in early August compared to over 94 mph in mid-June. This was noted by analysts and seemed to be a red flag before the Cubs finalized the trade.
This season marks Soroka’s first full year as a starter since 2019, when he impressed as the National League Rookie of the Year runner-up with the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, his career has since been hampered by several injuries, including two Achilles tears. Between 2020 and 2024, he managed only 125 2/3 innings pitched due to health setbacks. The current shoulder strain follows a history of muscle injuries that have interrupted his playing time, including a shoulder strain last year and a biceps strain earlier this season.
The Cubs, who are currently 65-47 and trailing the Milwaukee Brewers by three games in the NL Central, made Soroka’s acquisition part of a broader effort to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of the postseason push. They also added relievers Andrew Kittredge and Taylor Rogers, as well as utility player Willi Castro, at the trade deadline. However, with Soroka now sidelined, the Cubs have already called up reliever Nate Pearson from the minors to help fortify their bullpen.
Ben Brown, who unexpectedly replaced Soroka on the mound during Monday’s game, performed admirably, pitching four innings with five strikeouts, allowing only two hits and one run. While Brown’s performance offers some optimism, Soroka’s injury marks a significant setback for the Cubs’ rotation plans.
Medical evaluations had found no major concerns before the trade, but the recent decrease in velocity and now the injury highlight the inherent risks the Cubs assumed in acquiring Soroka. The team’s medical staff will continue to monitor his progress to determine the best course for rehabilitation and potential return to the mound.
The Cubs and their fans hope for a swift recovery, but the timing and nature of the shoulder strain add uncertainty to Soroka’s contribution during this critical phase of the MLB season.