Mike Soroka's Amazing Rookie Numbers Put Him in Rare Company
By Joey Mauceri
The Atlanta Braves have found themselves a gem in the form of rookie right-handed starter Mike Soroka. After Soroka shut down the Cardinals Wednesday night over seven innings of work, his ERA now sits at a sparkling 0.98. Not only is this mark the best in the major leagues, but it puts the young rookie into some elite historical company.
Mike Soroka’s 0.98 ERA is 4th lowest by a rookie in expansion era thru 6 starts.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 16, 2019
Fernando Valenzuela 0.33 in 1981
Steve Rogers 0.88 in 1973
Zach Duke 0.92 in 2005
Soroka 0.98
The last Braves rookie w/ERA below 1 thru 6 starts was Dana Fillingim in 1918 (0.34).@EliasSports
Truly a once-in-a-generation type start Soroka is having to his career right now.
What makes Soroka's hot start even more impressive is that the numbers seem to back up that it isn't a fluke. His FIP is an outstanding 2.88, and his ground ball percentage his risen dramatically from his brief stint in the majors last season from 44% to 56%. He is limiting hard contact and keeping runners off base, with a WHIP of just 1.01.
When there are runners on base, he is keeping them from crossing home plate at an astonishing rate, with a 86% left on base rate. That is some tremendous poise from a 21-year-old rookie, which has been his calling card throughout his big league stint.
Mike Soroka, Painted 93mph Sinker (w/ Tail). ??️? pic.twitter.com/OD0wKbNkC4
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 16, 2019
The Atlanta Braves have certainly built themselves quite the young core, with young sluggers Ronald Acuña Jr, Ozzie Albies, and top prospect Austin Riley now in the majors. Along with Max Fried and Soroka spearheading a strong rotation, Atlanta has set themselves up to contend for years to come.
I love it when a plan comes together.