Jose Soriano Has a 0.28 ERA and the Angels Are Desperate to Stop the Bleeding

The Los Angeles Angels are in freefall. They've lost four straight games, scored just six runs during the skid, and they're throwing their most dominant arm at the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon hoping Soriano can snap the streak in Anaheim.

Here's the thing: Jose Soriano might actually be able to do it. The 27-year-old right-hander has been the most dominating starting pitcher in baseball so far this season, and he's walking to the mound with a microscopic 0.28 ERA that leads the entire majors. His 5-0 record ties for the league lead in wins, he's second in WHIP at 0.73, and opponents are hitting just .104 against him. In 32 2/3 innings across five starts, Soriano has allowed only 11 hits while striking out 39 batters.

He's Not Just Surviving, He's Dominant

In his last outing last Friday against San Diego, Soriano was nearly perfect. He allowed two hits in 5 2/3 innings, struck out eight, walked four, and the Angels hammered the Padres 8-0. After the game, Soriano sounded like a guy who's finally put it all together.

"I think mentally I'm stronger and physically too, I feel stronger," Soriano said. "I'm learning a lot from the past. I'm taking the good things and trying to use them right now. I think that's part of the good results I'm having now."

Last season he went 10-11 with a 4.26 ERA. This year? He's basically a different pitcher. Sometimes dominant last year, consistently dominant right now.

Toronto's Closer Is a Serious Problem

The Blue Jays have their own issues. Closer Jeff Hoffman has been a nightmare, sporting a 7.59 ERA and converting just 3-for-6 save opportunities this season. Tuesday's game against the Angels was a perfect example: after getting one out, Hoffman gave up a single, hit two consecutive batters, and allowed an RBI single to Yoan Moncada before getting pulled. Toronto's Louie Varland had to come in cold and bail him out, inducing Nolan Schanuel to hit into a game-ending double play for his first career save.

The Angels lost 5-2 on Monday and 4-2 on Tuesday. Now they get Soriano's turn. Toronto is sending left-hander Eric Lauer to the mound, and he's been rough lately: he's lost three straight starts and allowed 12 earned runs in 12 1/3 innings over that stretch. Lauer is 1-3 on the season with a 7.13 ERA.

When your closer is struggling and your opposing pitcher looks like he can't be touched, Wednesday's finale feels huge for the Angels. Soriano is their best shot at ending this nightmare.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.