Angels' Jose Soriano Achieves Rare MLB Feat with Minuscule ERA

The 27-year-old right-hander is the first pitcher in over 80 years to have a sub-0.50 ERA and 15 or fewer hits allowed through his first 5 starts of a season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:03pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the pitching motion and delivery of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano, with his form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in vibrant colors representing the baseball diamond and the team's uniforms.A cubist interpretation of Angels pitcher Jose Soriano's historic start to the 2026 season, with his dominant pitching form deconstructed into a geometric masterpiece.San Diego Today

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano has gotten off to a historic start to the 2026 MLB season, posting a minuscule 0.28 ERA through his first 5 starts. Soriano is the first pitcher since the 1980s to achieve this rare statistical feat, joining the likes of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela. Soriano's dominance on the mound has been a key factor in the Angels' strong start, as they sit just half a game behind the division-leading Texas Rangers.

Why it matters

Soriano's historic start is a testament to his elite pitching ability and could propel the Angels to the playoffs this season. His performance is drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats, further cementing his status as one of the game's top young arms.

The details

Through 5 starts, Soriano is 5-0 with a 0.28 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. He has allowed just 11 hits, making him the first pitcher since the ERA statistic was officially tracked in both leagues in 1913 to have a sub-0.50 ERA and 15 or fewer hits allowed in his first 5 appearances of a season (minimum 30 innings).

  • On April 18, 2026, Soriano threw 5.2 innings of shutout baseball in the Angels' 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres.

The players

Jose Soriano

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who is off to a historic start to the 2026 MLB season.

Mike Trout

The three-time MVP outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who is hitting .237 with 7 home runs, 5 of which have come in his last 5 games.

Fernando Valenzuela

A legendary left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who holds the record for the lowest ERA in the last 80 years (minimum 30 innings) with a 0.20 ERA in 1981 and 0.21 ERA in 1985.

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What they’re saying

“Jose Soriano this season: 0.28 ERA, 11 hits allowed. He's the first pitcher with a sub-0.50 ERA and 15 or fewer hits allowed in his first 5 appearances of a season since ERA official in both leagues (1913), min 30 IP”

— Sarah Langs, MLB Statistician

What’s next

With both Soriano and Mike Trout trending upward, the Angels sit just half a game behind the division-leading Texas Rangers. If Soriano can maintain his historic pace and Trout continues to provide offensive firepower, the Angels have a strong chance of making the playoffs this season.

The takeaway

Jose Soriano's historic start to the 2026 season has put him in elite company alongside Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela. Soriano's dominance on the mound, combined with Mike Trout's resurgence at the plate, has the Angels poised to make a deep playoff run this year.