Soroka recalled, gets start against Cardinals

Snitker praises former All-star’s Triple-a success.

Right-hander Michael Soroka was back on the Truist Park mound Tuesday against the Cardinals.

The Braves recalled Soroka, a 2019 All-star, on Tuesday morning, optioning reliever Ben Heller to Triple-a Gwinnett to make room. This marks Soroka’s first major-league start since July 21 and his first home start since July 16.

“He’s been throwing really well, so now was a good time to bring him up here,” manager Brian Snitker said.

Soroka, 26, returned this season after missing multiple seasons because of injuries. The Braves have played it cautiously with the former top prospect, so he hasn’t had consistent major-league opportunities.

Soroka has appeared in just six games, starting five, and has posted a 5.52 ERA over 29⅓ innings. He’s spent the bulk of the season at Triple-a, where he has a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts (87 innings). On Tuesday, he was named International League Pitcher of the Month for August.

The Braves have used several pitchers to fill their rotation openings, including Yonny Chirinos, Allan Winans, Jared Shuster, AJ Smith-shawver and, most recently, Darius Vines. Each had made at least one start since Soroka’s last appearance. Tuesday began a six-game homestand in which the Braves will host the lowly Cardinals and Pirates. The Braves entered the homestand with an Mlb-best record of 90-46.

The team also announced that utilityman Ehire Adrianza (elbow and shoulder injuries) was to begin a rehab assignment with High-a Rome on Tuesday. Adrianza appeared in five games early this season.

Shortstop claimed

The Braves added organizational depth Tuesday, claiming shortstop Andrew Velazquez off waivers from the Angels. Velazquez was optioned to Triple-a.

Velazquez, 29, has played for five teams across six seasons. He’s spent the past two seasons with the Angels, hitting .191/.242/.300 over 179 games. Velazquez is best known for his defensive ability and has proved versatile, playing shortstop, second base and the outfield in his career.

JASON GETZ / JASON.GETZ@ AJC.COM Right-hander Michael Soroka (center) greets teammates after pitching into the sixth inning against the Marlins on June 30 at Truist Park. Before Tuesday, he hadn’t made a home start since July 16.