Soroka's X-rays negative on throwing arm after HBP, could make next start

Atlanta Braves rookie phenom Mike Soroka was removed from Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals after his right arm was hit by a pitch during his at-bat in the third inning.

X-rays on the 21-year-old's forearm came back negative. He could start in his regular rotation spot Friday against the New York Mets, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

"It feels like a bruise," Soroka said, according to 680 The Fan. "I've been hit by enough pucks, baseballs in my lifetime to know the aftermath. It's just a bruise."

Soroka was visibly upset on Atlanta's bench after he was removed from the contest. He'd thrown just 21 pitches.

The Braves then announced that Soroka had been removed as a precaution.

Soroka, a contender for National League Rookie of the Year Award, was 8-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 12 starts entering Sunday.