Cubs’ Michael Soroka Takes Next Step in Shoulder Rehab

Introduction to the Rehab Process

DENVER — Cubs right-hander Michael Soroka has cleared the bullpen-session stage of the rehab on his strained right shoulder and is set to advance to throwing live batting practice. ‘‘It was a good bullpen,’’ Soroka said after throwing the second full session of his buildup Friday at Coors Field. ‘‘Obviously, [I] have to take everything that shows up on the iPad with a grain of salt, being in Denver. But all things equal, it was pretty good.’’

The Impact of Altitude on Pitching

The altitude in Denver affects the shapes of pitches in addition to helping batted balls fly, giving Coors Field its reputation as a hitter-friendly ballpark. That’s sure to be a factor in the Cubs’ three-game series this weekend against the Rockies. For Soroka, however, it didn’t change the main focus. ‘‘Right when we picked up a baseball, everything was feeling much better — much like it had prior to July, basically,’’ he said. ‘‘So we’ve just got to stay on top of things and make sure we keep it right there.’’

Upcoming Steps in the Rehab Process

Soroka and right-handed reliever Ryan Brasier (strained left groin) are scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday at Wrigley Field, manager Craig Counsell said. ‘‘We’re going to probably go a little faster than we normally go here,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘Try to get him pitching and get him to a multiple-inning scenario.’’ Soroka is expected to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list. But with less than a month left in the regular season, the Cubs won’t stretch him out to a starter’s workload.

Overcoming Past Challenges

It was significant that Soroka compared what he was feeling to his pre-July form. His velocity took a dive that month. Then the Cubs acquired him from the Nationals at the trade deadline, and he left his debut with them with a strained shoulder after two innings. ‘‘Pretty rough start, obviously, to being a Cub,’’ Soroka said. ‘‘That’s not how I planned it out. And [I’m] looking forward to changing some minds and getting out there and being a good decision for this organization.’

Schwarber Ties Record

Former Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber, a 2016 World Series champion and a key figure in the team’s run of success last decade, tied an MLB record Thursday with the Phillies. In a 19-4 victory against the Braves, he became the 21st player in big-league history to hit four home runs in a game. Then another former Cub kept him from breaking the record. Utility player Vidal Brujan, who began the season with the Cubs, took the mound for the Braves in the eighth inning of the blowout. Brujan induced Schwarber to pop out on a 57.4 mph pitch, according to Statcast.

Taillon Update

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (strained left groin) is set to throw a ‘‘touch-and-feel’’ mound session Saturday at Coors Field, Counsell said. He then is expected to ramp up to a more intense session Monday or Tuesday at Wrigley. Taillon is on track to keep his stay on the 15-day IL to about the minimum.

Conclusion

Michael Soroka’s progression in his shoulder rehab is a positive sign for the Cubs as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. With Soroka and potentially Taillon returning to the lineup, the Cubs may see a boost in their performance. However, the team’s strategy to not stretch Soroka out to a starter’s workload indicates a cautious approach, prioritizing his health over immediate pitching needs.

FAQs

• Q: What is the current stage of Michael Soroka’s rehab?
  A: Soroka has cleared the bullpen-session stage and is set to advance to throwing live batting practice.
• Q: How does the altitude in Denver affect pitching?
  A: The altitude affects the shapes of pitches and helps batted balls fly, making Coors Field a hitter-friendly ballpark.
• Q: What are the next steps for Soroka in his rehab process?
  A: Soroka is scheduled to throw live batting practice and will go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.
• Q: What record did Kyle Schwarber tie?
  A: Schwarber tied the MLB record for hitting four home runs in a game.