Michael Soroka’s return to the majors was uplifting, emotional, and even joyous. Facing off against another debutee in Paul Blackburn, it created a dichotomy of sorts. Two pitchers returning from injury and a lot of minor league pitching earlier this year. One of those pitchers was yanked after facing a lineup twice through the order. One was left in, and got knocked around. Without watching this game, you’d figure that from those two sentences alone, it was the Braves, with much more to lose, that acted with prudence, right? But you already know it wasn’t: Soroka allowed a three-run homer to one of the only dangerous Athletics hitters when facing him a third time, and the Braves showed little urgency or care in trying to notch this game as a win.
Killed by overconfidence: Braves drop Soroka’s return as Athletics win 7-2
