TORONTO (AP) 鈥� Washington Nationals right-hander Michael Soroka left Monday鈥檚 start against the Blue Jays in the sixth inning because of cramping in his biceps muscle.
鈥淚 knew that was a feeling that shouldn鈥檛 be there, and I wanted to make sure that we were smart about it,鈥� Soroka said. 鈥淎s unfortunate as it is to have to leave the game and not get to compete through the sixth inning, I think it will allow me to get back out there again in five or six days.鈥�
Manager Dave Martinez and the team trainer came to the mound after Soroka missed with a slider to Toronto鈥檚 Andr茅s Gim茅nez.
鈥淗e did the smart thing by letting us know right away because I didn鈥檛 want him throwing another pitch,鈥� Martinez said.
The Canadian-born Soroka with Washington last December. He made 25 appearances for the White Sox last season after pitching in seven games over the previous three seasons combined.
Soroka , allowing four runs and five hits. He walked one and struck out three. Soroka threw 83 pitches before departing, 57 for strikes.
鈥淗e threw the ball really well,鈥� Martinez said. 鈥淎 couple of location misses.鈥�
Right-hander Lucas Sims replaced Soroka, who has faced multiple injuries in recent years.
In his third start of the COVID-delayed 2020 season, Soroka during a routine fielding play. After a follow-up procedure and nine months of rehab, he while walking into Atlanta鈥檚 ballpark. Soroka missed the entire regular season in 2021 and 2022.
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