The Chicago Cubs recently made a significant move by trading for starting pitcher Mike Soroka just before last week's trade deadline. However, this decision has encountered early setbacks, as Soroka exited his first start with the Cubs after only 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, upon reflection, the trade may not have been the optimal decision. During a conversation on Tuesday, Hoyer noted, "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 statement highlights the concerns surrounding Soroka's performance leading up to the trade, as he experienced a drop in velocity in his final appearances with the Washington Nationals, signaling a possible injury.

Despite undergoing an MRI that revealed no injuries, Soroka's current status remains uncertain. This season, he has recorded a 3-8 win-loss record accompanied by a 4.86 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 17 starts. The duration of Soroka's absence from the Cubs' rotation is yet to be determined; any long-term injury could prove detrimental for the Cubs as they aim to strengthen their bid for a deep postseason run.