Fantasy Fallout: Rafael Soriano’s Promotion

Jun 10, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher

Rafael Soriano

(29) untucks his shirt after the win against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. The Washington Nationals defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

We do not often see relief pitchers with 207 saves struggle to find work when they are still relatively useful at the big league level. But, that was the case for Rafael Soriano whose late season struggles in 2014, found him without a job.

The Cubs took a chance on Rafael Soriano as they were dire need of bullpen support. The Cubs have cycled through relievers this season trying to find the correct combination to close out wins and they are hoping that Soriano can be another step forward in doing so.

Joe Maddon’s go to guys this season have been the mixture of Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop, and Jason Motte. Rondon got off to a decent start as it seemed as though he was capitalizing on his success in 2014, but he did hit a rough patch in May where he blew two save chances, which ultimately led Maddon to, more or less, strip Rondon of the closer label.

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It seems as though Rondon has gotten things straightened out, but Maddon seems to rather have him pitching in more of a setup man capacity.

Strop has always been an enigmatic guy, as he has electric stuff but too often than not, pitches himself into trouble. Strop has really scuffled as of late as he has given up two runs in each of his last appearances.

Motte seems to have reestablished himself after his injury to appear like the threat he once was while closing games for the Cardinals. On the season Motte has not blown any save chances, and has been one of Maddon’s key bullpen pieces.

For me Motte proves to be the main competition for saves that Soriano has going forward. Soriano has shown that he can thrive as setup man based off his success in New York, but a part of me feels that Soriano wants to take over the closing role and reestablish himself and his value going forward.

Soriano was nearly untouchable for the first half of the 2014 as he had a, 0.97 ERA and 22 SV’s. But, after the break he really hit a wall, his second half ERA was 6.48 and he saw his closing job lost to Drew Storen.

I do not fully chalk his downfall in 2014 to be Soriano all of a sudden just losing his stuff. I think fatigue and the inability for him to command his slider down in the zone as the root of his struggles.

Soriano should be fresh and fully ready to go as he was not signed until June. In AAA Iowa, Soriano has made seven appearances, struck out seven and has not given up an earned run. He has allowed four hits and three walks, but keep in mind he has had no spring training and this was his first game action since September of 2014.

For fantasy owners, Soriano should be on all of our radars as he has the chance to really become a second half RP that could turn into a real gem. Maddon has shown that he is not afraid to use relievers in different roles, so Soriano may not immediately find himself in the closer role.