Angels Share José Soriano Update After Injury Scare
Los Angeles Angels breakout star pitcher José Soriano had an injury scare amid a great pitching performance against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The right-hander has had an incredible start to his 2026 campaign in Los Angeles after three solid seasons with the organization. In 2026, Soriano is posting a 2.79 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched. He started off his season with a 0.84 ERA through six starts.
During the first inning of Saturday's game against the Rays, Soriano was struck in the chest by a Jonathan Aranda comebacker. After a short injury delay, Soriano remained in the game.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki stated that Soriano was okay but he was taken out after only 76 pitches for precautionary reasons.
Kurt Suzuki on José Soriano:
— Jack Janes (@JackJanes_) June 14, 2026
"We wanted to kind of be cautious to him. I mean, it was smoked right off his, I think it was his chest, his right side, didn't want to take a chance, gave us 5 good innings, and I felt like that was the right time to get him out of there."
The 27-year-old threw five excellent shutout innings while striking out five and only allowing three hits, he recorded the win after being taken out with a 1-0 lead.
According to Jack James of The Sporting Tribune, Soriano was dealing with chest tightness after being hit which led him to rely more on his lower body while pitching. He also stated that caused his legs to get sore, which was more of a reason to be removed early.
Soriano is not expected to miss any time because of the injury, but the Angels will continue to be cautious with him, as he is the anchor of the Angels starting rotation. As on Sunday, Soriano will make his next scheduled start.
He has emerged as the ace of the pitching staff for a team that has had large struggles for the pitching staff. Despite Soriano's 2.79 ERA, which ranks sixth in the American League, the Angels staff holds an ERA of 4.58, which is 23rd in all of baseball.
Soriano is under team control through the 2028 season, with his value the highest it has ever been, the Angels may want to consider trading him at this years deadline or this offseason.
The Angels hold the current longest playoff drought in MLB, having not reached October since 2014. They currently sit in fifth place in the American League West division, holding a record of 29-42, they are 6 1/2 games out of a playoff spot.
With the team unlikely to make the playoffs, it would not be surprising to sell of many key pieces of their team to prepare for the future. Players such as Jo Adell and Soriano.
Soriano is expected to make his next start on Thursday, June 18.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 12:50 PM.