Chicago Cubs' president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acknowledges the risks associated with acquiring pitcher Michael Soroka, who has a troubled injury history and recently experienced a drop in velocity. Soroka, after a brief stint on the mound for the Cubs, has landed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. This injury follows a concerning trend, as he previously missed time with similar issues while with other teams.

Despite the setback, Hoyer remains optimistic, highlighting that the Cubs' pitching depth, including rehabbing right-handers Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad, can help mitigate the loss. The Cubs still feel that Soroka's talent justified the trade, and they are hopeful he can contribute later in the season.

Michael Soroka's debut as a Chicago Cub was cut short due to right shoulder discomfort, leading to a stint on the injured list. The 28-year-old experienced a grip in his shoulder after a pitch in the second inning, forcing him to exit the game without returning for the third. Soroka had recently been traded from the Washington Nationals, and while he had been grappling with a velocity drop, he felt no pain before the game. Despite a solid first inning, his velocity dipped in the second, leading to a home run before his exit.

The Cubs are in need of reliable arms as Soroka was their only pitching addition before the trade deadline, compounding their starting rotation woes. Both Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad are on the mend, but their absences mean the Cubs might need to turn to unreliable options like Ben Brown, who took over for Soroka. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted there were no prior indicators of Soroka's issue, making this setback particularly frustrating.

The MLB trade deadline saw a surprising number of player movements, including some notable changes for pitchers like Dustin May and Taj Bradley, who are looking to turn their seasons around with new teams. The Red Sox acquired May from the Dodgers, hoping to improve his performance, particularly by adjusting his pitch mix, while the Twins are working with Bradley to capitalize on his potential.

Other significant trades included Michael Soroka joining the Cubs, where he may benefit from a stronger defense, and JP Sears moving to the Padres, where a shift in ballpark might help him rediscover his previous form. Ke'Bryan Hayes, now with the Reds, faces pressure after underperforming with the Pirates, despite his impressive defensive skills.

The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals. This move comes as the Cubs chase an NL Central title, trailing the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers by just one game.

Soroka, a former All-Star, has had a challenging season with a 3-8 record and a 4.87 ERA, but his experience could add depth behind starters Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga. The Cubs also extended president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's contract, indicating their commitment to building a competitive team. The Nationals, on the other hand, continue to struggle, sitting at the bottom of the NL East.

As the trade deadline nears, the Chicago Cubs are taking decisive steps to bolster their pitching staff. They have acquired right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals in exchange for two prospects: outfielder Christian Franklin and infielder Ronny Cruz. Soroka, who can serve both as a starter and in relief, posted a 4.87 ERA in 16 starts this season. His underlying stats suggest potential for improvement with a 4.12 FIP and a career-best strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.63. The Cubs are also expected to pursue further pitching depth ahead of the deadline, especially someone who can contribute in the postseason.