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| Height: 6-1
Weight: 218
Throws: R
Bats: R Born: Dec 19, 1979, San Jose, Contract: Signed though 2009. |
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| Profile | Player News | Articles | Split Stats | Game Log | Player Comparison |
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Newsbreakers |
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August 28, 2008 Rafael Soriano had surgery on his oft injured elbow on Thursday and hopes to be back at 100% in time for spring training next season, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Our View:No update has been given yet on how the procedure went though it was expected that the surgery to move the UCL nerve should solve the problems that dogged Soriano all year. |
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August 22, 2008 There is no progress for Rafael Soriano and he could be headed for exploratory surgery, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He began a throwing program during the series in New York and had soreness when he raised the intensity on throws. Soriano said he’s frustrated and doesn’t know yet what will have to be done. He has missed most of the season with chronic soreness in the elbow, and three MRI ecams have revealed no ligament damage. Our View:The latest MRI was last week with Dr. James Andrews, who recommended Soriano begin a throwing program and, if still sore, that he have an exploratory orthroscopy and possible nerve-transposition surgery. |
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August 9, 2008 Tests on the elbow of Braves reliever Rafael Soriano proved inconclusive, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He had another MRI, this time by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. Soriano will soon begin a throwing program. Our View:If the throwing program does not work, Soriano will likely need exploratory surgery on his elbow. He had been a guy fantasy owners were counting on for saves and K's, but his future is now up in the air. |
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August 3, 2008 Just when you thought it was safe to back into the water... Rafael Soriano was again placed on the DL with right elbow inflammation, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Francisley Bueno was recalled from Triple-A to take his roster spot. Our View:What a waste. This guy is extremely talented, but unfortunately he is about as brittle as Samuel Jackson's character in the movie Unbreakable. |
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July 21, 2008 The Braves activated reliever Rafael Soriano from the 15-day DL on Monday, the AP confirms. He had been out since June 6 due to right elbow inflammation. Our View:Soriano has been dealing with elbow issues since spring training, and he will likely need to prove himself in a setup role before the Braves consider him as a closer. The team hasn't said how they plan to use Soriano. |
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July 19, 2008 Rafael Soriano completed a short bullpen session Saturday and is expected to be activated from the DL on Monday, according to MLB.com. He has been out since June 5 with right elbow inflammation. "He threw [Saturday] and felt very good," GM Frank Wren said. "[Braves pitching coach] Roger [McDowell] said that he threw good." Our View:With Mike Gonzalez dominating, Soriano will probably slide into a setup role. |
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July 6, 2008 Rafael Soriano completed his bullpen session on Sunday, which skipper Bobby Cox deemed "real good," according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Soriano noted that he feels about "80% healthy," and pitching coach Roger McDowell stated, "hopefully we can get the other 20% back to help us." Our View:This is encouraging news, and should help move the Braves closer to setting a timetable for his return. |
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July 6, 2008 Rafael Soriano threw two side sessions this past week and will throw a bullpen session early in the upcoming week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. GM Frank Wren said Soriano did not report any elbow discomfort on Friday, and added, "He threw at our complex on Friday and looked very good. Kent Willis, who's our minor league pitching coordinator, watched him throw and said he threw the ball very well." Our View:Following his pen session, a decision will be made whether he is ready to be activated from the DL. |
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July 5, 2008 Rafael Soriano threw two bullpen sessions in the past week and reported no discomfort in his continually sore elbow, according to MLB.com. Our View:Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice... Soriano has started and stopped about as many times as a jackhammer knocking out an old sidewalk this year. Continue to monitor his progress, but it is patently obvious that he just isn't an arm that you can count on. |
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June 24, 2008 Rafael Soriano is still experiencing soreness in his right elbow when he throws, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our View:Manager Bobby Cox noted that there remains no timetable for his return. |
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June 20, 2008 Rafael Soriano is still experiencing soreness in his elbow and as a result he will almost certainly not be activated from the DL on Saturday when eligible, according to MLB.com. "He still doesn't feel real good," manager Bobby Cox said. "When he throws about 90 percent, he can feel it." Our View:Since the team hasn't even scheduled a bullpen session of yet, it's clear that Soriano isn't close to coming back. Mike Gonzalez should be your target if you are looking for saves in Atlanta as he would be the at least the fifth option they have turned to this season because of all the injuries. |
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June 18, 2008 MLB.com reports that Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox said Tuesday that he thought Rafael Soriano will be activated from the disabled list on Saturday, he might have been doing some wishful thinking. As has been the case with Soriano for most of the past month, thoughts about his potential return to the Braves bullpen can change on a daily basis. Our View:The report noted two things: 1) Soriano did venture into the outfield to play catch during batting practice at Rangers Ballpark on Wednesday afternoon 2) Cox isn't sure exactly when this test might occur and was visably frustrated when asked about Soriano for seemingly the thousandth time this season. |
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June 14, 2008 The Braves have placed closer Rafael Soriano on the disabled list, according to MLB.com. Our View:With Charlie Morton coming aboard, the team needed a spot to put him on the roster. Soriano returned from a six-week stint on the DL on May 28th but has not pitched since June 5th. Since the Braves began this current road trip on Tuesday, the 28-year-old right-handed reliever has told them on a daily basis that his right elbow wasn't healthy enough for him to pitch. |
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June 13, 2008 Rafael Soriano is scheduled to visit the doctor that peformed his Tommy John Surgery, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His lingering elbow soreness has weakened the Braves' pen for the course of the season, and he wants to get some answers during his visit with Dr. Lewis Yocum this weekend (in Los Angeles). Our View:Soriano's MRI last month showed no ligament damage in his ailing elbow, but is expected to undergo more tests to determine what is causing his recurring soreness. Hopefully, the Braves can get Mike Gonzalez into action soon to help solidify the pen. |
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June 7, 2008 Word out of Atlanta is that Rafael Soriano was unavailable to pitch on Friday even though they were nursing a 2-1 lead because of soreness in his elbow, this according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We thought he was good to go," manager Bobby Cox said. "Had him set to throw the ninth inning. Called down [to the bullpen], and they said he couldn't go." Our View:The Braves bullpen went on to blow the game causing Tim Hudson owners to rejoice. The bottom line is that Soriano simply cannot be counted on, period. Manny Asosta is awful, which means that Blaine Boyer could get some looks in the closers role, and don't forget about Mike Gonzalez who should be back soon. |
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June 5, 2008 Rafael Soriano picked up his third save of the season for the Braves on Thursday night. Since returning from his injured elbow, Soriano has allowed one run in five innings with two saves. Our View:Soriano appears to be throwing pretty easy at this point signaling that his elbow isn't currently bothering him. Of course that could change any moment, but for now he figures to serve as the Braves primary closer with Manny Acosta struggling. |
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May 29, 2008 Rafael Soriano pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday and the news after was that his elbow was fine, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. . "I'm going to be all right," Soriano said. "I'm not worried about that right now because I know I've got my fastball. Sometimes it takes a while to come back [at] 97, 98. Right now to come back and throw 94, 92, I'll be all right." Our View:Soriano figures to be the team's primary setup man to John Smoltz, though of course that is predicated on Smoltz being healthy and in the closers role. Soriano could still pick up some saves given the uncertain outlay of the Braves pen right now, that is if he too can stay healthy. |
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May 28, 2008 The Braves activated Rafael Soriano from the DL Wednesday. He fills the roster spot of Matt Diaz, who was placed on the DL. Soriano hasn't pitched since early April because of right elbow tendinitis. Our View:Soriano may or may not take over the closing duties from Manny Acosta, but either way, John Smoltz figures to be the ninth-inning man soon. That said, Soriano has fantasy value even in a setup role. |
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May 27, 2008 The Braves plan on activating Rafael Soriano from the DL to replace the injured Matt Diaz on the roster, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Soriano has been out since early April with right elbow tendinitis. Our View:Soriano should immediately take over the closer duties, but his return to the role will likely be short-lived, as John Smoltz is slated to return and is expected to be the ninth inning man. |
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May 27, 2008 Rafael Soriano's bullpen session Tuesday went very well. In fact, pitching coach Roger McDowell called the session "perfect," according to MLB.com. The reliever, who is coming back from right elbow tendinitis, could be activated as early as Thursday. Manager Bobby Cox plans to evaluate Soriano's situation again on Wednesday. Our View:Assuming Soriano doesn't have a setback (which is certainly possible with him), we should see him later this week. |
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May 27, 2008 Rafael Soriano still has some discomfort in his right elbow and is scheduled to throw another side session in the bullpen Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Soriano could be activated sometime during the team's three-game series in Milwaukee if the session goes well, despite the lingering soreness. "I don't think it'll be a big deal," said Soriano. "It feels alright." Our View:It seems a little strange that the Braves would consider rushing Soriano back even if he still has soreness, especially with John Smoltz also on the way soon. We'll let you know how the session goes. |
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May 24, 2008 Rafael Soriano will be reevaluated by Braves doctors on Saturday and could be activated from the disabled list as early as Sunday, according to MLB.com. The reliever hasn't pitched for Atlanta since experiencing discomfort in his right elbow on April 6. Our View:Soriano should slide back into his closer role right away, so it sounds like you should be able to stick him back in your lineup next week. However, his ninth-inning role could be short-lived, as John Smoltz is due back soon and expected to take over the gig. |
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May 21, 2008 Rafael Soriano, recovering from right elbow tendinitis, made his first rehab appearance Wednesday and allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one inning for Double-A Mississippi. He told team officials he felt fine after the 19-pitch outing. Soriano is scheduled to throw again Friday for Mississippi and could be activated soon after, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our View:Soriano could resume his closing duties when he returns, but John Smoltz is expected back soon after him and is likely to take over ninth inning duties. |
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May 13, 2008 Rafael Soriano threw a 10-minute bullpen session that included sliders and fastballs and reported no pain in his elbow, according to MLB.com. Soriano will look to throw a simulated game on Friday or Saturday, and if that goes well he will likely be sent on a brief minor league assignment. Our View:Soriano could be back by next weekend, about a week before the team hopes to have John Smoltz back in action at which point it is assumed that Soriano will become the setup man with Smoltz taking over closing duties. |
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May 12, 2008 Rafael Soriano threw a 10-minute bullpen session on Sunday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His elbow wasn't perfect, but it felt better than his previous sessions. He is recovering from right elbow tendinitis. Our View:He'll probably throw again Tuesday in the bullpen at Philadelphia, then a decision will be made on the next step. Manager Bobby Cox said he would need to throw at least one inning, presumably in a minor league game, so that the Braves could have assurances before they send down someone to free up a roster spot for Soriano. |
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May 10, 2008 Rafael Soriano is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He also played catch Friday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Our View:This will be the closer's first big test for his right elbow since an MRI and bone scan revealed no structural damage. |
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May 7, 2008 The Atlanta Braves report closer Rafael Soriano's right elbow appears to be fine, suffering no tears or other structural damage, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our View:Soriano underwent a MRI exam today which revealed no significant concerns, excellent news for the Braves. Soriano is expected to resume throwing exercises, but the team has put no timetable on his expected return. Soriano has been on the DL since April 9th with what was originally diagnosed as elbow tendinitis. However, the lack of progress over recent weeks led the Braves to push Soriano into further testing, fearing the worst. "That was a great relief," said manager Frank Wren. "What we were really trying to do was rule out a compromised ligament or stress fracture. So that was good news." |
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May 6, 2008 Rafael Soriano will undergo an MRI and other testing on Wednesday to help figure out what's wrong with his right elbow. "We're going to see if we can get to the bottom of it," general manager Frank Wren tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It just hasn't seem to improve much." Our View:Lingering soreness stories never seem to turn out well. We'll continue to update Soriano's status, but between this elbow injury and John Smoltz's plans, this closer has lost a ton of value. |
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April 28, 2008 Rafael Soriano has lingering soreness in his ailing right elbow and his bullpen session on Sunday did not go favorably, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That was his first time on a mound since April 6. Our View:He was previously believed to be ready to come off the DL and be ready to return to the pen for the Braves' series against Washington on Tuesday, but that does not seem likely following his setback. He could throw two more pen sessions before the team decides if he is ready to come off the DL. Manny Acota holds fantasy value as a closer for a while longer. |
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April 21, 2008 Despite news that he wouldn't be activated on Tuesday from the DL, Rafael Soriano still believes his right elbow is improving and that he should be able to resume throwing on Thursday, this according to MLB.com. "Three or four doctors have said the ligament is fine," Soriano said. Our View:Soriano hasn't thrown since Friday when he felt some pain in the elbow, and at this point he has to be considered a serious question mark moving forward. Even when he returns to the hill, it would be wise to keep Manny Acosta on hand, and Blaine Boyer may not be a bad call either if you are in a deep league. |
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April 20, 2008 The Braves won't be activating Rafael Soriano from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, this according to the team website. When asked when Soriano will begin throwing off of a mound, Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell responded, "when he's able to throw without any discomfort." While playing catch over the past few days, Soriano hasn't been able to throw without feeling some discomfort in his right elbow. Our View:The team is just hoping that the right-handed closer will at least be able to begin throwing off of a mound some time this week. |
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April 17, 2008 Rafael Soriano hopes to return from the DL on Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He is battling elbow tendinitis. Our View:He would resume his role as the Braves' closer when he returns. |
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April 10, 2008 Rafael Soriano has been placed on the 15-day DL due to his right elbow tendinitis, according to the Sports Network. Peter Moylan should be the favorite to handle the closer role in Atlanta until he returns. |
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April 9, 2008 Rafael Soriano is battling elbow soreness, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He experienced the soreness after pitching Saturday and Sunday against the Mets, and that is why he sat in favor of Manny Acosta on Monday. Manager Bobby Cox said he is not taking any chances, and decided to go with Acosta in the closer's role. Soriano notably suffered from elbow soreness during training camp, and we will continue to monitor him. |
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March 26, 2008 Rafael Soriano didn't have many issues against the Mets on Tuesday. He struck out three batters and allowed a double over his inning of work. Soriano has struck out seven over his last three innings of work, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. His efforts help fantasy baseball owners to believe he is over his earlier elbow issues. |
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March 23, 2008 Rafael Soriano pitched a solid inning against Washington on Saturday as he only allowed one hit, with two strikeouts. He lowered his spring ERA to 6.00 and is on pace to be the Braves' opening day closer. |
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March 16, 2008 As expected, Rafael Soriano made his spring debut on Saturday. "All right for the first time out," manager Bobby Cox said of Soriano's performance, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 16 of his 23 pitches were for strikes, and he reached 94 mph on two pitches. Soriano has been slowed this spring by a stomach virus and sore elbow, but barring a setback, he should be ready for the opener. |
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March 14, 2008 The Braves expect Rafael Soriano to make his exhibition debut on Saturday, according to MLB.com. He's dealt with a stomach virus and a sore elbow but should have enough time to get ready for the season opener. |
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March 14, 2008 Braves manager Bobby Cox said Thursday that Rafael Soriano is "real close" to pitching in a exhibition game, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Their closer has yet to work in a game this spring due to a stomach virus and a sore elbow, but hopefully we'll see him on a mound this weekend. |
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March 11, 2008 Closer Rafael Soriano completed a full session of pitching in the bullpen today without discomfort or pain, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Soriano told reports he feels he is ready to take the mound in spring training action and hopes to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday. Soriano hasn't faced an opposing batter since the first week of spring training. After an inconsistent season in '07 that ended with Soriano as the primary closer following the release of Bob Wickman, the young hurler is anxious to get cracking and prove he deserved the job once more in '08. The team has not made an official decision on his status or when he will see game action, but hopes are high that will be soon. |
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March 7, 2008 Rafael Soriano reported minimal pain in his elbow after throwing a bullpen session on Friday, according to SportsTicker. "My elbow feels better today than yesterday," he said. "Yesterday all I did was play catch. Today it was just a little bit sore, but not the same." Soriano had rested his elbow by just playing long-toss this week, so this was an important step. Now let's see if he and his troublesome elbow can stay on the mound for a while. |
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March 6, 2008 Rafael Soriano could return to the mound from a stomach issue and soreness in his elbow this weekend, according to a report on MLB.com. The team still hasn't laid out a plan as to when he will see live game action, but getting him back on the hill is the first step in that process. However, given the fact that he has battled arm issues for most of his career, any issues, no matter how minor they are claimed to be, are significant. |
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March 5, 2008 Rafael Soriano is dealing with a sore elbow, but general manager Frank Wren tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he is not concerned. The closer could take the mound in a "couple of days," according to skipper Bobby Cox. Wren says the soreness is a typical spring injury. |
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March 4, 2008 Rafael Soriano underwent some tests to see if he had an ulcer (they came back negative), but the real issue is that he's also dealing with some elbow inflammation, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch this weekend, so if the Braves end up holding him back, then it might be time to be concerned. |
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February 16, 2008 Rafael Soriano .192 opponents' average over the past two seasons ranks fifth among major-league relievers, and his .232 opponents' on-base percentage in 2007 ranked second among NL relievers. The ex-Mariner has dynamite movement, superior command and is the prototypical closer. Soriano did have a valley to work through last year when he allowed nine homers in 24 innings from mid-June to mid-August, but closed out the season allowing one run in his last 17 appearances, while piling up 24 strikeouts with three walks. Soriano reported to camp stronger after an offseason of strength training, according to AJC.com, and has a chance to be one of the top-tiered closers in the league for the next 10-years. Soriano is the fourth different pitcher, in four years, to begin the season as the Braves closer. Dan Kolb, Chris Reitsma and Bob Wickman were the others. None have the stuff that Soriano possesses. |
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January 24, 2008 The Braves agreed to terms with Rafael Soriano Thursday on a two-year contract, allowing the two sides to avoid salary arbitration, according to the AP. Soriano appeared in a career-high 71 games and converted nine of 12 save opportunities last season. He went 3-3 with a 3.00 ERA and struck out 70 batters in 72 innings. "We are very excited to be able to keep Rafael for two more seasons," Braves general manager Fran Wren said. "Rafael was an important part of our bullpen last year, and based on his performance over the last two seasons, he will now have an even more important role for us in 2008 as our closer." |
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