The Chicago Cubs recently made a significant move by acquiring starting pitcher Mike Soroka in advance of last week's trade deadline. However, this decision has raised concerns as Soroka exited his initial start with the Cubs after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort, leading to his placement on the injured list.

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, acknowledged that the trade may not have been as beneficial as initially hoped. Hoyer stated, "We knew the velocity was trending down. We talked through that extensively. Given the market, given the asking price ... we felt like it was a good bet to make. Right now, it's not looking like a good bet." This commentary reflects the apprehension surrounding Soroka's declining velocity, which had been observed during his last few appearances with the Washington Nationals.

Despite undergoing an MRI that revealed no injuries, Soroka's recent performance raises questions about his effectiveness. Currently, he holds a 3-8 record along with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 17 starts this season. The duration of Soroka's absence from the Cubs' rotation remains uncertain, and any extended injury could have significant implications for the team's aspirations of a deep postseason run.