CHICAGO -- Michael Soroka is on his way back to the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined by a shoulder strain.
Soroka pitched 2 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. His fastball was clocked as high as 96.6 mph -- a significant improvement on his velocity right before his injury.
"He'll be activated with us for his next outing," manager Craig Counsell said before Friday's game against Tampa Bay. "We'll see on the date right now."
Soroka was acquired in a trade deadline deal with Washington.