Braves Get Encouraging Mike Soroka Update After Starter Exits Early Due to HBP

Atlanta Braves fans got a bit of a scare late Sunday afternoon when rookie phenom Mike Soroka took a pitch off his forearm during an at-bat against the Nationals' Austin Voth. He didn't appear to be in good spirits as he left the game, but following a postgame x-ray, it's time to breathe a sigh of relief.

X-rays on Soroka’s forearm were negative. He won’t start in Folty spot Thursday, but could take his regular turn Friday.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 23, 2019

When forearms, elbows, and/or shoulders are involved, you have to hope for the best but prepare for the very, very worst. And in this case, a proper crisis has been avoided. A Rookie of the Year contender and a sure-fire All-Star this season, there's no like-for-like replacement in Atlanta for a guy like Soroka, who has been skillful beyond his years.

#Braves' Soroka on Voth hitting him: "A 1-1 fastball, they’re not going up & in there. They weren’t doing that. It happens, it’s part of baseball. I’ve always been an advocate for pitchers hitting, so when stuff like that happens you wear it & make up innings the next time out.”
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 23, 2019

With 2018 All-Star Mike Foltynewicz optioned to the minors, it was intended that Soroka would start in his spot on Thursday against the Cubs. That doesn't sound likely at the moment, but a Friday meeting with the Mets at Citi Field could very well be in the cards.

#Braves' Snitker said initial thought is that Soroka would not be available for a Thursday start (Folty's spot), more likely they'll keep him on regular rest provided there's no lingering effects from this. X-rays were negative, Soroka said just a bruise.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) June 23, 2019

Just a bruise? That's about as good as this news could have possibly been. You have permission to go back to enjoying your 6.5-game lead in the NL East, Braves fans.