Soroka will pitch in spring finale vs. Red Sox

He’s pitched simulated games on his way back from Achilles injury.

Mike Soroka’s comeback will take its latest leap today. The righthander will pitch “an inning or two” in the Braves’ spring-training finale against the Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida, manager Brian Snitker said Monday.

Soroka has spent the past seven months working his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in his third start last season. He’s progressed as expected, and the team has been optimistic he could rejoin the rotation in mid- to late April.

Soroka pitched in simulated g ames behind the scenes through- out March, impressing team officials. This will be his first appearance in a game since early August 2020.

“It’s going to be good to get him out there against somebody else before we leave,” Snitker said. “He’s done everything and he feels great. I think it’s awesome that he’ll be able to do that . ... As of the whole plan, everything is going right on schedule.”

Soroka, 23, was an All-star in 2019. He had a 2.68 ERA in 29 starts that season, in his first full campaign in the majors. Once the organization’s top pitching prospect, Soroka has blossomed into one of the most promising young starters in baseball.

“I’m super excited for him,” said fellow rotation member Ian Anderson, Soroka’s spring roommate. “He’s super-stoked to get on the mound. I’m sure we’ll go over some hitters tonight. He’ll probably be asking me some questions. It’ll be fun.”

Whenever Soroka returns, he should be a big boost for a rotation that features opening-day starter Max Fried, Anderson and veteran newcomers Charlie Mor

ton and Drew Smyly.

The Braves are opening the season with a four-man rotation — made possible by an early off day — and plan to use a bullpen game on the first road trip. Bryse Wilson will likely join the rotation for its second turn after winning the competition for the final opening. The Braves also have Huascar Ynoa and Kyle Wright as starter options.

Swanson scratched

Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson was scratched from Monday’s lineup with right-calf tightness, the team announced just over an hour before first pitch. Swanson started feeling the tightness Sunday, Snitker said, and it’s not expected to be a serious concern. Swanson hopes to play in the Braves’ spring finale today.

Swanson, 27, has quietly had a great spring. He’s hit .324/.405/.514 with four doubles, a homer and seven RBIS through 16 games. He’s trying to build off a solid 2020 campaign in which he hit .274/.345/.464 with 10 homers and 35 RBIS.

Other notes from Monday

■ Anderson struggled in the final inning of his last exhibition outing. Overall, he allowed four runs on five hits in 2⅔ innings, but all the damage came in the third frame. Anderson surrendered three homers (Enrique Hernandez, J.D. Martinez, Marwin Gonzalez) and exited with two outs. Thomas Burrows finished the inning by striking out Franchy Cordero.

■ Smyly will start the spring finale today.

Mike Soroka