Mike Soroka of Calgary, Alberta has made Atlanta Braves history. On Sunday, Soroka became the youngest Atlanta Braves pitcher all-time to be named to the National League All-Star Team.When you consider the fact that some of the best Major League Baseball pitchers ever were Atlanta Braves (Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz), that is quite the accomplishment.
Soroka is one of two Braves who are 21 years old and will be representing the National League at the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 8 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. The other is left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. However, Soroka is five months older than Acuna Jr. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who has also represented Canada internationally, will also be representing the Braves.
It has been a marvelous first half of the season for Soroka. He has a magnificent winning percentage of .900 as he has a record of nine wins and one loss. In 14 games, Soroka has an earned run average of 2.13 and 67 strikeouts. In 84.6666 innings pitched, he has given up 64 hits, 20 earned runs and 19 walks. Soroka’s WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) is also excellent at 0.98.
The Braves as a team, are also playing excellent baseball at the moment. With a record of 50 wins and 35 losses, they have a five and a half game lead over the second place Philadelphia Phillies. Only the Los Angeles Dodgers at 57 wins and 29 losses have a better record in the National League. The Toronto Blue Jays will be represented by starting pitcher Marcus Stroman.
