TORONTO (AP) — The Washington Nationals were hoping to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season as they faced the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2025. However, their plans took a hit when right-hander Michael Soroka left the game in the sixth inning due to an apparent injury. After throwing a pitch to Toronto’s Andrés Giménez, Soroka showed signs of distress, prompting manager Dave Martinez and the team trainer to rush to the mound.
Soroka, who recently signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Nationals in December, had a rocky outing before his departure. He allowed four runs on five hits, walked one batter, and struck out three during his time on the mound. The 27-year-old threw a total of 83 pitches, with 57 of them being strikes. As he exited the game, Soroka was seen clenching his right fist, a troubling sign for a pitcher who has battled injuries throughout his career.
After the game, manager Dave Martinez provided an update on Soroka’s condition, stating that the pitcher experienced a biceps cramp and was removed as a precautionary measure. “He did the smart thing by letting us know right away because I didn’t want him throwing another pitch,” Martinez said. Soroka himself expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about his recovery, stating, “I knew that was a feeling that shouldn’t be there, and I wanted to make sure that we were smart about it. As unfortunate as it is to have to leave the game and not get to compete through the sixth inning, I think it will allow me to get back out there again in five or six days.”
This season marks a critical juncture for Soroka, who has seen his career derailed by injuries. After making only seven appearances over the previous three seasons, he had hoped to regain his form with the Nationals this year. Last season, he made 25 appearances for the Chicago White Sox, but the road to recovery has been long and fraught with setbacks.
In an earlier segment of the game, the Nationals were looking to turn their fortunes around after losing their opening series to the Philadelphia Phillies. Soroka’s start was seen as a pivotal moment for the team, as they aimed to establish a foothold in the competitive National League East. Unfortunately, the injury to their new signing added to the team's struggles, as they ultimately fell to the Blue Jays with a final score of 5-2.
As the Nationals navigate this early season, they find themselves in a precarious position. While Soroka was expected to play a significant role in the starting rotation, the team has some depth they can rely on. Right-hander Lucas Sims replaced Soroka after his exit, but the uncertainty surrounding Soroka’s health looms large.
In previous seasons, Soroka faced significant challenges, including tearing his right Achilles tendon during a routine fielding play in his third start of the COVID-delayed 2020 season. After undergoing a follow-up procedure and enduring nine months of rehabilitation, he once again injured the same tendon while walking into Atlanta’s ballpark, forcing him to miss the entire 2021 and 2022 regular seasons.
Despite these setbacks, the Nationals are hopeful that Soroka’s latest injury is not serious. The team is aware of the importance of having a healthy and effective pitching staff as they aim to climb the standings in the National League. Soroka’s performance and health will be closely monitored in the coming days, as the Nationals look to make a statement in their next games.
As the season progresses, the Nationals will need to rally around their pitching staff and ensure that players like Soroka can contribute effectively. With a mixture of optimism and caution, the organization is focused on getting their new signing back on the mound as soon as possible. The next few days will be crucial for Soroka as he works to recover from this latest setback.
In the meantime, the Nationals will continue to search for ways to improve their performance on the field. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, they are determined to turn their season around. The injury to Soroka adds another layer of complexity to their strategy, but the team remains committed to finding success in the upcoming games.
