Michael Soroka to Debut for Cubs vs. Reds Monday Night

Michael Soroka is set to take the mound for his first start with the Chicago Cubs on Monday night, opening a three-game series at home against the Cincinnati Reds.

The 26-year-old right-hander, who brings a 3–8 record with a 4.87 ERA into the matchup, was acquired from the Washington Nationals last Wednesday. In return, Chicago sent two top prospects — shortstop Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin, ranked No. 13 and 14 in the organization.

Reflecting on the transition, Soroka expressed optimism about this new opportunity. “It’s new life,” he said. “Kind of like a new start to the season for me. You get some long days in July. You’re looking forward to this [MLB] trade deadline and seeing what happens. Joining a team like this is a new breath of adrenaline and life. So looking to take that through the end of the season and, hopefully, help this team compete for a World Series.”

Soroka, who began his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves, has a longstanding friendship with Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. Although a member of the Braves during their 2021 World Series title run, Soroka didn’t pitch that season due to multiple Achilles injuries that sidelined him for both 2021 and 2022.

“Although it was exciting to be along with the team and a lot of guys that I played with those previous couple of years, it’s still something that’s burning me to this day that I didn’t do a ton that year,” he admitted. “I didn’t throw a pitch, so looking to rewrite that and have new memories this time.”

Joining a Chicago team known for its defensive strength offers a fresh setting for Soroka, who previously pitched in front of one of the league’s weaker defenses.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “A goal this year was coming in and being relentless inside the strike zone. It helps a ton when the defense is as good as it is. I got to watch Dansby for a long time with the Braves, and this is a team, from the outside looking in, you see that as well.”

Historically, Soroka has made three career starts against the Reds, posting a 1–2 record and a 3.94 ERA.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, arrives in Chicago after an unusual weekend road trip. The team spent two days in Bristol, Tennessee, participating in the first-ever MLB game played in the state. The Reds dropped Sunday’s rubber match to Atlanta, 4–2, at Bristol Motor Speedway after splitting the first two games in Ohio.

Taking the ball for the Reds on Monday will be left-hander Nick Lodolo (8–6, 3.09 ERA). Lodolo had a strong July, going 3–1 over five starts with a 1.89 ERA. In his latest outing, he struck out a season-high 11 batters against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings. Despite turning over a 4–2 lead to the bullpen, Cincinnati ultimately lost 5–4.

Monday’s appearance will mark Lodolo’s 22nd start of the season — a personal best.

“It means a lot,” he said of the milestone. “That was my goal I set out for in the offseason. … I don’t want to just barely beat [his career high in starts], I want to blow past it. I feel good and in a position to do that.”

Lodolo owns a 2–2 record with a 4.46 ERA over seven career starts against the Cubs.