{"id":27476,"date":"2025-08-29T21:01:37","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T02:01:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/08\/29\/cubs-michael-soroka-taking-next-step-in-shoulder-rehab-looking-forward-to-changing-some-minds\/"},"modified":"2025-08-29T21:01:39","modified_gmt":"2025-08-30T02:01:39","slug":"cubs-michael-soroka-taking-next-step-in-shoulder-rehab-looking-forward-to-changing-some-minds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/08\/29\/cubs-michael-soroka-taking-next-step-in-shoulder-rehab-looking-forward-to-changing-some-minds\/","title":{"rendered":"Cubs’ Michael Soroka taking next step in shoulder rehab: ‘Looking forward to changing some minds’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cubs’ Michael Soroka Takes Next Step in Shoulder Rehab<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Rehab Process<\/h2>\n

DENVER \u2014 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. \u2018\u2018It was a good bullpen,\u2019\u2019 Soroka said after throwing the second full session of his buildup Friday at Coors Field. \u2018\u2018Obviously, [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.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

The Impact of Altitude on Pitching<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s sure to be a factor in the Cubs\u2019 three-game series this weekend against the Rockies. For Soroka, however, it didn\u2019t change the main focus. \u2018\u2018Right when we picked up a baseball, everything was feeling much better \u2014 much like it had prior to July, basically,\u2019\u2019 he said. \u2018\u2018So we\u2019ve just got to stay on top of things and make sure we keep it right there.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n

Upcoming Steps in the Rehab Process<\/h2>\n

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. \u2018\u2018We\u2019re going to probably go a little faster than we normally go here,\u2019\u2019 Counsell said. \u2018\u2018Try to get him pitching and get him to a multiple-inning scenario.\u2019\u2019 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\u2019t stretch him out to a starter\u2019s workload.<\/p>\n

Overcoming Past Challenges<\/h2>\n

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. \u2018\u2018Pretty rough start, obviously, to being a Cub,\u2019\u2019 Soroka said. \u2018\u2018That\u2019s not how I planned it out. And [I\u2019m] looking forward to changing some minds and getting out there and being a good decision for this organization.\u2019<\/p>\n

Schwarber Ties Record<\/h3>\n

Former Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber, a 2016 World Series champion and a key figure in the team\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Taillon Update<\/h3>\n

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (strained left groin) is set to throw a \u2018\u2018touch-and-feel\u2019\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s workload indicates a cautious approach, prioritizing his health over immediate pitching needs.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n