CHICAGO (AP) — 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. The right-hander started on Aug. 4 against Cincinnati and pitched two innings in his first appearance with Chicago before departing with his shoulder issue.

The 28-year-old Soroka is 3-8 with a 4.86 ERA in 17 starts this season, but he could work out of

See Full Page