Back at the start of camp, the Blue Jays thought they had made a good depth signing when they brought in Rafael Soriano on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. He had been great as recently as 2014, so maybe there was a little magic left. Unfortunately, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. First Soriano’s arrival to camp was delayed by visa issues. Then, despite his continued absence, we heard nothing about the former All-Star closer. Well, that all changed tonight.
From former Nat dept.: hearing Rafael Soriano, who had a minor lg deal with Toronto, is retiring. Last full year in MLB was w/ Nats in '14.
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) March 18, 2016
Rafael Soriano has apparently decided to call it a career.
As one of the favourites to win a bullpen job out of spring training largely due to his track record and reports of throwing well in the Dominican League, this news certainly comes as a bit of a shock.
Over 14 big league seasons, Soriano threw 636 1/3 innings with an ERA of 2.89, a DRA of 3.64, and 207 saves. He saved over 20 games for four different teams and ranks 44th on the all-time list. Soriano last pitched in the majors in 2015 with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 6.35 ERA and 9.02 DRA in 5 2/3 IP before succumbing to injury.
What does this mean for the Blue Jays? It appears more likely that one of David Aardsma, Steve Delabar, Bo Schultz, Joe Biagini, Ryan Tepera, or Arnold Leon will make the team out of spring training. Given the fact that Soriano likely would have pitched in some leverage situations, there is also an outside possibility that this could move Sanchez back to the bullpen. It would help save his innings for later in the year while giving the Blue Jays a more comforting face with the game on the line.
Regardless, it was a great career for Soriano and we here at BP Toronto wish all the best to Rafael in retirement.
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