José Soriano
Breakdown
Performance
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August 8, 2026
Inefficient in Jays debut
Soriano didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 5-4 win over the Phillies, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three.
Analysis
The start of the game was delayed by two hours due to bad weather, and that combined with any nerves from debuting for a new team may have impacted Soriano's focus and efficiency. The right-hander tossed 62 of 94 pitches for strikes, and after a 1-2-3 first inning he dealt with traffic on the basepaths in every frame, including runners on second and third with nobody out in the fifth. Soriano rallied to fan Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner before being lifted, however. It wasn't the most impressive performance for Toronto's newest member of the rotation, but Soriano hasn't allowed more than three runs in six straight outings dating back to June 30, posting a 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 28:12 K:BB through 32.2 innings over that stretch. He'll look to provide more length in his next start, which lines up to come at home next week against the Red Sox.
August 4, 2026
Will make Toronto debut Friday
Manager John Schneider said Tuesday that Soriano will make his Blue Jays debut Friday against the Phillies, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Analysis
Soriano was acquired from the Angels on Monday in a surprising move by Toronto. Under club control through 2028, Soriano fit the team's plans of quickly rebounding into playoff contention next season. Soriano owns a 3.29 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 127:57 K:BB across 123 innings spanning 22 starts this season.
August 3, 2026
Dealt to Toronto
The Blue Jays acquired Soriano from the Angels on Monday in exchange for infielder Arjun Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti and right-hander Angel Rivero, Mark Feinsand and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com report.
Analysis
After dealing away right-hander Kevin Gausman on Sunday, the 52-60 Blue Jays appeared to be firmly in the sellers camp heading into Monday's deadline. However, the team has replenished its rotation depth with the acquisition of Soriano, who may have carried added appeal for Toronto since he's under club control through 2028. Soriano permitted just one earned run in 37.2 innings while going 5-0 through his first six starts of the season with the Angels, but he's fallen back to earth with a 4.64 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 84:44 K:BB in 85.1 innings over his subsequent 16 outings. The 28-year-old righty could slot into the Toronto rotation as soon as Thursday's game versus the Cubs at Wrigley Field.