Joakim Soria, a right-handed pitcher from Monclova, Mexico, became a familiar name in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a reliable closer and relief pitcher. His journey to the majors began when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 2001. However, it was with the Kansas City Royals that Soria truly established himself in the MLB.
Soria's MLB debut came in 2007 with the Royals, after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft from the San Diego Padres. He quickly proved his worth, earning the closer role and finishing his rookie season with 17 saves and a 2.48 ERA. His performance earned him a spot on the MLB All-Rookie Team, setting the stage for a successful career as a closer.
In 2008, Soria's dominance on the mound was undeniable. He recorded 42 saves, a 1.60 ERA, and was selected for his first All-Star Game. His ability to consistently shut down games made him one of the top closers in the league. Soria continued to excel in 2009, earning another All-Star selection and finishing the season with 30 saves and a 2.21 ERA.
Injuries, however, began to affect Soria's career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2012, which sidelined him for the entire season. Despite this setback, Soria returned to the majors in 2013 with the Texas Rangers, where he gradually regained his form. Over the next few years, he played for several teams, including the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox, often serving as a setup man or closer.
Soria's second stint with the Royals in 2016-2017 saw him in a setup role, where he continued to be a dependable arm out of the bullpen. In 2018, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he contributed to their playoff run. The following year, he signed with the Oakland Athletics, providing veteran leadership and stability to their bullpen.
Throughout his career, Soria was known for his effective use of a variety of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and changeup, which kept hitters off balance. His ability to adapt and remain effective in different roles and teams highlighted his skill and understanding of the game.
Soria's career concluded with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021.
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