The Chicago Cubs made a bold decision when they acquired starting pitcher Mike Soroka ahead of last week's trade deadline, but early indications suggest that the gamble may not have been beneficial. Soroka's debut with the Cubs was cut short 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 the best move in retrospect. Speaking on Tuesday, he remarked, '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.' Soroka had exhibited declining velocity in his final appearances with the Washington Nationals, which raised concerns about a potential injury. Although an MRI revealed no significant injuries, the situation remains troubling.

Throughout the 2023 season, Soroka has compiled a record of 3-8, with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 17 starts. The duration of his absence from the rotation is currently uncertain, and any extended downtime would pose considerable challenges for the Cubs as they aim to secure a spot in the postseason.