Aug 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Michael Soroka (41) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Michael Soroka exited his Chicago Cubs debut after two innings on Monday, and the right-hander is headed for the injured list because of right shoulder soreness.
Manager Craig Counsell announced postgame that the team would replace the newcomer on the roster.
“Look, you feel bad for Michael first and just hope that there’s just some discomfort there and a couple weeks can take care of it,” Counsell said. “That’s where we’re at. We’re going to have to wait to get more information before we know what we’re dealing with.”
Soroka said he was fine until, in the second inning, he “went to go put a little extra on a fastball and it grabbed me a little bit.”
He didn’t think the issue is related to the decreased fastball velocity he experienced in July before the Washington Nationals traded him to the Cubs on Thursday in exchange for two minor league prospects, outfielder Christian Franklin and infielder Ronny Cruz.
“There was no reason to believe there was anything wrong,” Soroka said.
Soroka, pitching Monday on his 28th birthday, allowed just one hit, a solo home run by Tyler Stephenson. Ben Brown took over on the mound to start the third, and the Cubs went on to lose 3-2.
Through 17 starts this year, Soroka is 3-8 with a 4.86 ERA.
The other starting pitcher in the Monday game, Cincinnati left-hander Nick Lodolo, left the contest early due to a blister on his left index finger.
With two outs in the bottom of the second inning, Lodolo motioned to the Reds’ dugout after throwing a first-pitch strike to Justin Turner. Nick Martinez then replaced Lodolo on the mound.
Lodolo retired all five batters he faced, striking out one. The 27-year-old has pitched a career-high 129 2/3 innings pitched, compiling an 8-6 record and a 3.05 ERA.
–Field Level Media