Braves manager Brian Snitker 'messed up' on Mike Soroka prognosis

May 28 (UPI) -- After previously saying starting pitcher Mike Soroka would miss the season, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker backtracked on his initial prognosis for the right-hander, who has yet to return from a torn right Achilles tendon.

"I messed up earlier. I was wrong," Snitker told reporters Friday after telling MLB Media earlier in the day that Soroka was "down for the year."

Snitker said Soroka will be re-evaluated in two weeks, leaving the door open for his return this season.

"I messed up today when I was on that little TV show with 'Mad Dog' [Chris Russo]," Snitker said. "Soroka does have a chance of getting back, and I didn't think he did. So that was my fault. I created a firestorm with all of that."

Soroka, who was the Braves' Opening Day starter in 2020, was expected to return to the team's rotation this season after undergoing surgery last August. After experiencing a setback in his rehabilitation, the All-Star pitcher underwent a follow-up procedure in mid-May.

The 23-year-old Soroka emerged as one of the key pieces of the Braves' rotation in 2019, when he posted a 13-4 record and 2.68 ERA. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting and sixth for the Cy Young Award that year.

Also Friday, the Braves placed veteran outfielder Marcell Ozuna on the injured list and recalled Johan Camargo from Triple-A Gwinnett. Ozuna is expected to miss at least six weeks after fracturing the middle and ring fingers on his left hand.