Michael Soroka's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Most teams interested in free-agent right-hander Michael Soroka prefer him as a back-end starting pitcher with front-line potential and not as a reliever despite his better numbers in a relief role with the Chicago White Sox in 2024, according to league sources. The 27-year-old finished as the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. But since then, Soroka tore his right Achilles tendon twice and threw only 46 innings from 2020 to 2023. Between the rotation and bullpen in 2024 with the White Sox, he posted a 4.74 ERA in 79 2/3 innings. Soroka had a 6.39 ERA with 24 K's and 24 walks in 43 2/3 innings as a starter but posted a 2.75 ERA with 60 K's and 20 walks in 36 innings of relief. The difference was his heavy reliance on his four-seam fastball as a reliever. If he continues that usage and earns a starting role somewhere, he could be a sleeper to watch in fantasy.

Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoan Moncada (groin) and right-hander Michael Soroka (shoulder) started their minor-league rehab assignments at Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday night, according to the team. Moncada will be restarting his rehab assignment after suffering a setback after five games in early July. The 29-year-old Cuban last played with the White Sox in early April, so he's at least going to need a handful of games on the farm to get his timing back. Moncada will probably be eased back in at third base when he returns in September, making him pretty unattractive in mixed fantasy leagues while playing for the worst team in baseball. Soroka should also be left to the waiver wire in most formats upon his return. The 27-year-old has been out since the All-Star break with a strained right shoulder and didn't look any good earlier this year in Chicago's rotation.

The Chicago White Sox have an opening in their starting rotation after they designated right-hander Brad Keller for assignment, but manager Pedro Grifol didn't sound like he was jumping at the chance to give right-hander Michael Soroka another shot in the rotation. "Soroka had a good [relief] appearance, but I don't know if he's going to be the guy we want to do that. "We'll make that move when we have to, which would be Wednesday-Thursday," Grifol said. The 26-year-old Soroka was recently demoted to the bullpen, but he looked much better in a long-relief role on Saturday, tossing four scoreless innings while striking out seven. However, he did walk four and has surrendered 33 runs (31 earned) on 42 hits (10 home runs) while walking 24 and striking out 24 in 43 2/3 innings in his nine starts. We don't blame the White Sox for being hesitant to go back to Soroka as a starter.