The Atlanta Braves announced that Michael Soroka has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Soroka made his glorious return to the Major Leagues after nearly three years just two starts ago. The Braves were hopeful that Soroka was ready after exercising patience with him, even after Max Fried and Kyle Wright hit the IL with serious injuries.

After two starts, Soroka has an unsightly 8.38 ERA. In 9.2 innings pitched, he has walked six batters, allowed 12 hits, and nine earned runs. His latest outing did two things. It allowed the Braves to decide that Soroka needed more time in Triple-A and that he was not ready to contribute to the Braves’ big-league club.

Possible Replacement for Michael Soroka in Braves’ Rotation

The outing also may have uncovered a potential replacement for Soroka with the debut of AJ Smith-Shawver.

AJ began the season in Single-A and has been promoted three times since. It has been a rapid ascent for the 20-year-old. He has made one appearance in the major leagues and it came in a relief effort after Soroka’s ineffective start.

Michael Soroka allowed five runs, all earned, over 3.2 innings while walking four and allowing seven hits. Very Un-Soroka.

Meanwhile, AJ Smith-Shawver made his debut in the sixth inning, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings while striking out three with no hits and one walk. Quite the contrast to what we’ve seen from Soroka thus far.

Smith-Shawver posted a 1.09 ERA across seven minor-league starts this season. Will he be Soroka’s replacement right now? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!