by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano bounced back Wednesday from two blown saves with a 1-2-3 inning to secure a 2-1, extra-inning win over the Giants.
Soriano needed 17 pitches for a perfect 10th inning, a night after he blew a save chance. He retired all three batters he faced on fly balls for his 13th save of the season.
Soriano has 13 saves in 16 opportunities with a 3.00 ERA in 21 innings.
Rafael Soriano blows second straight save
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/22/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano struggled yet again Tuesday against the Giants, blowing his second save in as many appearances.
Soriano entered the ninth inning of the game with a 2-1 lead and promptly allowed an infield single to let the tying run on base. He got the next two batters out and seemed to be on his way to the save, before allowing a game-tying triple to Gregor Blanco.
Soriano finished the inning without any more damage, but he blew his third save in 15 appearances. The Nationals would lose the game, 4-2, in 10 innings. Soriano has a 2.25 ERA in 20 innings of work.
Rafael Soriano can't hang on to late lead
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/18/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano was unable to hang on to a late lead as he blew his second save of the season Friday night against the Padres.
Soriano, who entered the game in the ninth with a two-run lead, surrendered a run-scoring single to Chase Headley and a run-single to Kyle Blanks that tied the game. Soriano, who also picked up the win, has allowed three runs and six hits over his last three innings of relief.
Rafael Soriano unable to preserve tie
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano (0-1) permitted two hits and the game-winning run in the ninth inning of a 2-1 loss to the Cubs Sunday. It was the first time Washington has lost a game Soriano has appeared in this season. The deciding run scored on a throwing error by catcher Kurt Suzuki.
Soriano had not allowed a run since April 9, a span of 12 games, and has a 2.12 ERA.
Rafael Soriano continues to dominate
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano threw his 11th consecutive scoreless inning Wednesday, picking up his 11th save of the year in his team's 3-1 win over the Tigers. Since posting two straight two-run appearances in early April, Soriano has lowered his ERA to 2.40 and his WHIP to 0.87 this season.
Rafael Soriano picks up 10th save
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano entered Saturday's contest against the Pirates in the ninth inning with a one-run advantage.
The right-hander only needed 12 pitches, despite allowing a single to Russell Martin, to make it out of the frame unscathed. Soriano struck out one and secured his 10th save in a 5-4 victory.
Soriano has struck out eight and has not allowed a run in his last nine innings. He has a 2.77 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP through his first 13 appearances.
Rafael Soriano notches seventh straight save
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano continued his strong rebound from a poor start to the season, picking up his seventh save in a row Thursday against the Braves.
Soriano allowed a two-out single to Evan Gattis but quickly ended the threat with the tying run at the plate, as Dan Uggla popped out to second base. He needed 18 pitches to finish the outing, picking up his ninth save of the season in a 3-1 win.
Soriano has 11 strikeouts in 12 innings, with eight hits and three walks. He has blown just one save in 10 opportunities and has not allowed a run in his last eight appearances.
Rafael Soriano records eighth save with perfect inning
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/1/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano pitched his fifth straight game without allowing a hit Wednesday against the Braves, throwing a 1-2-3 inning to record his eighth save of the year. He lowered his ERA to 3.27 through 11 innings and also struck out one to give him 11 Ks on the year.
Rafael Soriano rounding into form
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano worked a perfect ninth inning to register his seventh save of the season during Washington's 6-3 win over Cincinnati on Saturday. Soriano struck out two batters for the second time in his past four appearances as he sliced his ERA to 3.60.
Rafael Soriano back with Nationals
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano rejoined the team Tuesday after missing Monday's game to be with his wife, who gave birth to a son, according to The Washington Post. Soriano has a 4.50 ERA and six saves in eight outings (eight innings).
Rafael Soriano to miss Monday's game
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano will not be available Monday against St. Louis after traveling to New York to be with his wife after she gave birth, The Washington Post reports. Soriano is expected to miss only one game and will be replaced by Drew Storen as closer, if needed against the Cardinals.
Rafael Soriano secures sixth save
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano entered Saturday's game against the Mets in the ninth inning with a one-run advantage.
The right-hander needed 18 pitches to get out of the inning unscathed and secure his sixth save in a 7-6 victory. Soriano walked one and improved his ERA to 4.50. He has not allowed a run in his last four innings.
Rafael Soriano still working around trouble
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano permitted a hit but still worked a scoreless ninth inning to record his fifth save of the season during Washington's 7-4 victory over the White Sox. Soriano tallied two quick outs, including one on a strikeout, before allowing a single to Paul Konerko -- the fifth consecutive game he's been tagged for at least one hit.
However, the right-hander stranded Konerko to earn his third consecutive save and slice his ERA to 6.00.
Rafael Soriano picks up save
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Despite dealing with a leg tweak, Nationals closer Rafael Soriano picked up his second save in as many days in the Nationals' 5-2 win over the White Sox Wednesday. He allowed one hit and struck out one in his scoreless inning of work.
The Nationals close out the series with the White Sox Thursday, and it's possible they could look in another direction should a save opportunity arise with Soriano pitching each of the last two days.
Rafael Soriano has leg tweak
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano "has a little tweak in his leg," pitching coach Steve McCatty told MLB.com.
Soriano has struggled a bit early in the season, allowing four earned runs in four innings while converting three of his four save opportunities. This minor injury could lead to Soriano receiving a little rest over the next few days.
Rafael Soriano's struggles no big deal
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/10/2013) With all the drama in Milwaukee, Kansas City and St. Louis already, you might be tempted to add Rafael Soriano to the list of closers potentially on the outs. But to hear Nationals manager Davey Johnson tell it, the only reason reason Soriano has struggled his last two times out is because he's not all himself yet.
"Soriano -- he's not exactly where he needs to be, as far as I'm concerned," Johnson said. "He's mostly just throwing fastballs and locating fastballs. He hasn't used much of his other stuff."
Sure enough, Soriano has thrown his secondary pitch, the slider, only 19 percent of the time this year, which is about half of last year's rate. To me, that suggests he's still rounding into midseason form after perhaps not getting enough work this spring.
As long as he doesn't cost the Nationals too many games during this adjustment period, I'm thinking he's safe.
Rafael Soriano hangs on to close out White Sox
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano continued to struggle but managed to close out Tuesday's contest against the White Sox.
Soriano, who entered the game in the ninth inning with a three-run lead, served up a two-run home run to Alex Rios before forcing Paul Konerko to fly out to end the game. He was charged with two runs on two hits and struck out one in an 8-7 victory. The right-hander has converted three of his first four save opportunities.
After the game, manager Davey Johnson said Soriano tweaked his leg during Saturday's game at Cincinnati but "it's a non-issue."
Rafael Soriano unravels in ninth
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano blew his first save in three chances Saturday after allowing two runs in the ninth inning during Washington's 7-6 win over Cincinnati in 11 innings Saturday. Soriano, who notched a save in his first two appearances of the season, permitted two hits, including a solo homer to Shin-Soo Choo, and a wild pitch.
The right-hander did not blow his first save until June 10 last season while collecting 42 saves as a member of the Yankees.
Nationals skipper likes alignment of bullpen
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/4/2013) Nationals manager Davey Johnson is still learning the limits of new closer Rafael Soriano, according to The Washington Post. But once he figures it out, it will help him figure out how to use setup men Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard.
Storen is considered the backup closer and Clippard is in the mix as closer to spell both relievers. Soriano recorded a save in each of the Nationals' first two games.
"That’s something I’ll learn and hopefully [Soriano will] let me know if he’s getting overworked," Johnson said. "That’s a really good problem to have. I hope that happens a lot. But I got a lot of choices for guys who want to step in."
Rafael Soriano picks up second consecutive save
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/3/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano picked up his second save in as many games in the team's 3-0 win over the Marlins Wednesday night. However, the save opportunity wasn't without drama, as Soriano gave up a single and a walk before getting the final two batters to fly out.
Soriano also collected his third strikeout of the season in the game.
Rafael Soriano puts poor spring behind him
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) After needing just 11 pitches to record his first save of the season, Nationals manager Davey Johnson made sure to point out how little he thought of closer Rafael Soriano's spring numbers. Soriano was 1-1 with an 8.10 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in seven appearances.
"Obviously, spring training's overrated," Johnson said, per CSN Washington. "He certainly turned it up a notch. Made nothing but quality pitches. He did outstanding.”
Pitching coach Steve McCatty said before Monday's season opener against the Marlins he wished Soriano had a few more spring outings, but those concerns quickly disappeared after Soriano retired the side quickly in the ninth inning Monday.
"His pitches were perfect. Especially [against Giancarlo] Stanton. That guy can hit for a lot of power, but he froze him with his pitches. That was a great, great inning for him," catcher Wilson Ramos said. "The ball for him moves a lot. All the pitches move a lot. The players, they see something, they're going to make a swing. The ball moves and freezes them. That was pretty good stuff. I'm excited to catch him."
Rafael Soriano works quickly in debut
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Nationals relief pitcher Rafael Soriano notched his first save of the season during Washington's 2-0 victory over Miami on Monday. Soriano, who joined the team as a free agent after recording 42 saves with the Yankees last season, needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to set down the Marlins in order during the ninth inning.
He struck out two of the three batters he faced after replacing Tyler Clippard for the final inning.
Rafael Soriano notches scoreless inning
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano threw a scoreless inning Thursday against the Mets with two strikeouts against one walk.
Although Soriano had a rough spring on the surface -- the scoreless inning lowers his ERA to a still-putrid 8.10 -- it was the product of two bad outings. Soriano allowed two runs in an inning March 14 and gave up four runs in 0.2 innings March 18. However, his other five appearances were all scoress and two were hitless. Soriano has eight strikeouts and three walks in 6.2 innings this spring.
Rafael Soriano back with Nats
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Nationals relief pitcher Rafael Soriano returned to camp Friday after having successful root canal surgery the previous day, the Washington Times reports. Soriano, who is entering his first season as the team's closer, is scheduled to resume pitching Saturday.
Rafael Soriano set to pitch Friday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Washington closer Rafael Soriano had successful root canal surgery on Thursday and is scheduled make a relief appearance against the Tigers Friday, according to MLB.com. Soriano has allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings of work this spring.
"I had a few of those and they are not much fun. I just hope he got enough Novocain so it didn't really hurt too bad," Johnson said. "He should be fine. I think it was just in the early stages. [The doctors] were worried that it could be an abscess. So they nipped it in the bud."
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/20/2013) Nationals manager Davey Johnson told reporters Wednesday closer Rafael Soriano has an infected wisdom tooth that might need to be repaired. Johnson isn't sure how severe Soriano's situation might be, but he wants it done as soon as possible so he still has time to prepare for the start of the season. Soriano is scheduled to pitch again Friday, but his status is TBD.
The Washington Post reports Soriano traveled to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday to tend to a family matter, which was unrelated to his wisdom tooth issue.
Rafael Soriano hits rough patch
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/18/2013) Nationals relief pitcher Rafael Soriano was tagged for four runs and five hits in less than an inning of a 5-1 loss to Detroit in Grapefruit League play Monday. Soriano failed to complete one inning for the first time this spring after entering in the seventh inning in place of starter Jordan Zimmermann. He finished with a walk and no strikeouts.
The right-hander, who was delayed from reporting to camp because of visa issues, has permitted multiple runs in each of his past two outings to raise his ERA to 11.57 after five appearances.
Davey Johnson not concerned with Rafael Soriano's rough outing
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano endured his roughest outing of the spring Thursday against the Astros. Soriano, who made his fourth Grapefruit-League appearance, gave up a leadoff single to Brandon Laird and a first-pitch home run to Nate Freiman in the sixth inning. He allowed two runs on two hits in just one inning of work in a 6-3 victory. He also struck out two and did not issue a walk.
Manager Davey Johnson did not seem concerned with Soriano's struggles on Thursday.
"I thought he threw the ball good," Johnson said. "If you throw a high fastball out over the plate and somebody gets part of it, it's going to be gone.
"But he was basically just getting his work in. He used a few extra pitches. Early on, he was just getting his location and his arm stretched out. That's what you expect," Johnson added. "Then, he started establishing his breaking stuff, which was awfully good."
Soriano makes spring debut
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/5/2013) Nationals closer Rafael Soriano looked strong in his first appearance of the spring Tuesday against the Astros, as he tossed a scoreless inning. Soriano, whose arrive to camp was delayed by a visa issue, allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
Soriano tosses first 'pen session
(2/18/2013) After his arrival to camp was delayed by a visa issue, Nationals closer Rafael Soriano was able to throw his first bullpen session on Monday. Soriano, who signed a two-year, $28 million contract in the offseason, threw primarily fastballs and a few cutters during the session. “He’s a veteran guy that knows how to get himself ready,” General Manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post. “He was just getting the kinks out today, doing some touch-and-feel, command stuff. Just getting the arm loose for the for the first time.”
Soriano eager to get to work
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/16/2013) Veteran relief pitcher Rafael Soriano had planned to arrive early in camp for the start of his tenure with Washington. But he was delayed by visa issues out of his native Dominican Republic and the Nationals' new closer didn't arrive until Saturday, and then delivering a clear message. "I want to win," Soriano said. "That's what I'm here for." The Nationals, who already have three pitchers who closed for them at different points last season, signed Soriano to a $28 million, two-year contract last January. He is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Monday.
Soriano approved for visa
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/15/2013) Nationals relief pitcher Rafael Soriano is expected to report to camp Saturday after a slight delay obtaining a visa from the Dominican Republic. Pitchers were scheduled to report last Wednesday, but Soriano, the team's new closer, was hung up following his move to Washington. "I'm not really worried about him, because he's a veteran pitcher," manager Davey Johnson told MLB.com. "He knows what he needs to do to get ready."
Visa issue delays Soriano
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/14/2013) CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports Nationals closer Rafael Soriano hasn't reported to camp yet because of a visa issue. Soriano has a five-year work visa, but when he changed teams from the Yankees to the Nationals, the consulate wanted more information. Heyman reports the hope is the visa issue will be resolved by the end of the week, but there is no guarantee.
Soriano will be Nats closer
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/18/2013) During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Nationals pitcher Rafael Soriano was tabbed as the team's closer by general manager Mike Rizzo. “Suffice it to say, Raffy is here to pitch the ninth inning,” Rizzo said, according to the Washington Post. "He's one hell of a closer." Pitching coach Steve McCatty informed incumbent closer Drew Storen and 2012's main closer, Tyler Clippard, of the move before it was announced.
Report: Soriano signs with Nats
by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/15/2013) Yahoo!'s Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that Rafael Soriano has agreed a two-year deal with the Nationals worth $28 million. The deal, according to Passan, has a vesting option for a third year. Soriano had 42 saves for the Yankees last season, with a 2.26 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 67 2/3 innings pitched.
