The Chicago Cubs recently acquired starting pitcher Mike Soroka in a trade that has raised eyebrows due to its inherent risks. Unfortunately for the team, that gamble appears to have backfired, as Soroka left his debut start for the Cubs after just two innings due to shoulder discomfort and has since been placed on the injured list.

Jed Hoyer, the Cubs' president of baseball operations, acknowledged that the trade's implications may not be as favorable as initially hoped. In a statement, Hoyer indicated that the team's awareness of Soroka's declining velocity was a significant factor in the decision-making process. 'We knew the velocity was trending down,' Hoyer remarked. '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.'

During his tenure with the Washington Nationals, Soroka's performance had already shown signs of decline, particularly reflected in his velocity, which suggested a possible injury looming. Although Soroka underwent an MRI that did not indicate any significant damage, his current status remains a concern for the Cubs. This season, he sports a 3-8 record with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP over 17 starts. The duration of Soroka's absence from the rotation is uncertain, and any prolonged injury could present challenges for the Cubs as they aim for a deep postseason run.