Cubs Reinstate Michael Soroka, Option Ben Brown

The bullpen just got another upgrade, as the Cubs have reinstated righty Michael Soroka from the 15-day IL. The team’s biggest deadline acquisition, Soroka logged only two innings before succumbing to a shoulder strain. That might have been best for everyone involved, though, as Soroka’s velocity has gotten back up to the mid-90s after falling alarmingly prior to his injury.

He had worked strictly as a starter with the Nats this season, but, just like Aaron Civale, he’ll now slot into a long-relief role down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs reinstated right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka from the 15-day injured list. In a corresponding move, the club optioned right-handed pitcher Ben Brown to Triple-A Iowa.

Soroka, 28, is 3-8 with a 4.86 ERA (45 ER/83.1 IP) in 17 starts combined between the Nationals and Cubs this season. The righthander was acquired from Washington July 30 for minor-league outfielder Christian Franklin and minor-league infielder Ronny Cruz. He departed his first start with the Cubs on Aug. 4 vs. Cincinnati after 2.0 innings and was placed on the injured list Aug. 5 with a right shoulder strain. Soroka made one rehab appearance with Iowa, allowing one run and striking out three batters in 2.1 innings, Sept. 11 at Indianapolis.

Brown, 26, is 5-8 with a 5.92 ERA (70 ER/106.1 IP) and 121 strikeouts in 25 games (15 starts) with Chicago this season.

The Cubs play the Pittsburgh Pirates today at 5:40 p.m. CT at PNC Park in a game that can be seen on Marquee Sports Network and heard on 670 the Score and, in Spanish, on WRTO 1200 AM.