Angels Ace José Soriano Dominates with 0.28 ERA, 39 Ks in 5 Starts

The 24-year-old right-hander has been historically dominant to start the 2026 season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:21am

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Los Angeles Angels pitcher José Soriano has been nothing short of sensational to begin the 2026 MLB season. Through his first five starts, the 24-year-old right-hander has posted a microscopic 0.28 ERA and 39 strikeouts, tying him for the major league lead in wins with 5. Soriano's historic start has him in rare company, as he is the first pitcher since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981 to allow one earned run or fewer in each of his first five starts with at least 15 total innings pitched.

Why it matters

Soriano's dominant stretch to start the season has the Angels off to a strong start and has the young pitcher establishing himself as one of the premier aces in baseball. His ability to overpower hitters with a blazing fastball and devastating curveball has opposing managers and players raving about his talent.

The details

In his five starts, Soriano has allowed just one run on 11 hits while striking out 39 batters. His 0.28 ERA and 0.73 WHIP are both the best in baseball, and his 17-inning scoreless streak is the second-longest in the majors this season. Soriano has been particularly impressive with his ability to mix his pitches, as his curveball has been a major weapon in addition to his overpowering fastball.

  • Soriano's historic start began on Opening Day, April 1, 2026.
  • On April 6, Soriano allowed his lone run of the season to the Atlanta Braves.
  • Soriano has won the AL Player of the Week award for his performances over the past two weeks.

The players

José Soriano

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who has been historically dominant to start the 2026 MLB season.

Jo Adell

A slugger for the Los Angeles Angels who has praised Soriano's incredible start to the season.

Kurt Suzuki

The manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who has been impressed by Soriano's ability to grind through starts without his best stuff.

Craig Stammen

The manager of the San Diego Padres, who was impressed by Soriano's mix of pitches and ability to dominate his team's lineup.

Fernando Valenzuela

The former Dodgers pitcher who was the last to accomplish the feat of allowing one earned run or fewer in each of his first five starts of a season, which Soriano has matched.

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What they’re saying

“It's like a hot knife through butter. It's pretty crazy. It's really special, and he's a special talent. He's always had the stuff to compete at this level, and he's doing what an ace does. Whatever he's done, just keep doing it.”

— Jo Adell, Angels Slugger

“The thing that impressed was that to us, he had to grind a little bit tonight. I think that's the maturity showing up, where he's learning how to pitch — and I say this lightly — without his best stuff. He learned how to navigate a great lineup over there without his best stuff … and it was pretty incredible. You can't say enough.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Manager

“Knowing him from the past, you always thought of the high-90s sinker, and then he comes in breaking out the curveball. That pitch was very impressive from the dugout. Gave our guys trouble at the beginning. It's really hard to lay off that pitch, and it complements his sinker. He did a great job tonight mixing his pitches. … He's just a really good pitcher.”

— Craig Stammen, Padres Manager

What’s next

Soriano will look to continue his historic start when he takes the mound for the Angels in their next game against the Texas Rangers on April 22.

The takeaway

Soriano's dominant start to the 2026 season has put him in rare company and established him as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. His ability to overpower hitters with a blazing fastball and devastating curveball has opposing managers and players in awe, and the Angels are reaping the benefits of having an ace of this caliber leading their rotation.