José Soriano's Resilient Comeback After Two Tommy John Surgeries José Soriano, the Dominican right-handed pitcher, has emerged as a standout performer for the Los Angeles Angels after overcoming two devastating Tommy John surgeries. His journey from a promising prospect to a reliable starter in Major League Baseball (MLB) is a testament to his resilience and dedication. Despite facing multiple setbacks, Soriano has not only returned to the game but has also established himself as a key contributor for his team. Soriano’s rise began in the Dominican Summer League, where he showcased his talent with an impressive 1.58 ERA in 14 appearances. His physical transformation, including a significant weight gain from 170 to 210 pounds, further enhanced his performance. By 2019, he was already a top prospect for the Angels, with his fastball reaching speeds of 100 mph. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow in January 2020, forcing him to undergo his first Tommy John surgery. The injury occurred just before the Rule 5 Draft, a process where teams can select unprotected players from other organizations. Since Soriano had not pitched beyond Class A and was not protected on the 40-man roster, the Angels opted not to safeguard him. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the draft, hoping for a swift recovery. However, Soriano’s return was cut short when he experienced a second UCL tear during a spring training session in June 2021. This necessitated a second Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his 2021 season and raising doubts about his future in the sport. Following the second surgery, Soriano faced a long rehabilitation period.#pittsburgh_pirates #tommy_john_surgery #los_angeles_angels #rule_5_draft #jose_soriano
Yankees Designate Cade Winquest Without Regular-Season Appearance New York Yankees right-hander Cade Winquest’s major league career appears set to end without him ever taking the mound in a regular-season game. The team designated him for assignment on Friday, clearing a roster spot for the recently recalled Luis Gil, who is scheduled to start the series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. Winquest, 25, was selected by the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft during December’s winter meetings and became the first Rule 5 player to make the opening day roster since infielder Josh Phelps in 2007. The decision to designate Winquest comes as the Yankees seek to make room for Gil, a left-handed pitcher acquired from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Gil’s promotion marks a strategic move to bolster the rotation for the upcoming season, with the Rays’ series opener serving as a critical test for the 26-year-old hurler. Winquest’s absence from the active roster underscores the team’s focus on players who have demonstrated readiness for the majors, as the right-hander’s spring training performance did not meet the expectations required to secure a regular role. Winquest, an eighth-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2022 amateur draft, was part of their farm system from 2023 to 2025 before being selected in the Rule 5 draft. The Rule 5 process allows teams to claim players from other organizations’ minor league systems, provided they are not protected by a qualifying offer. By selecting Winquest, the Yankees assumed responsibility for his development, though his limited impact during spring training raised questions about his viability in the majors. In his nine outings this spring, Winquest posted a 0-1 record with a 7.20 ERA, struggling to consistently locate his pitches and manage opposing hitters.#yankees #tampa_bay_rays #luis_gil #cade_winquest #rule_5_draft
Yankees Option Luis Gil; Rule 5 Pick Cade Winquest Makes Roster The New York Yankees have optioned right-handed pitcher Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. This move allows the team to free up a bullpen spot, which will be filled by Rule 5 Draft pick Cade Winquest. The Yankees, who have four off-days in the first 12 days of the 2026 season, will skip the fifth starter role a couple of times, giving them flexibility in their rotation. Gil is expected to be recalled when the team needs a fifth starter or if there’s an injury in the rotation. Gil, 27, was named American League Rookie of the Year in 2024 but pitched only 57 innings in 2025 due to a lat strain. During his healthy outings, he posted a 3.32 ERA but struggled with diminished velocity and strikeout rates compared to his 2024 performance. In 2024, he struck out 26.8% of batters with a 12.1% walk rate, but in 2025, those numbers dropped to 16.8% and 13.5%, respectively. This decline in effectiveness has raised concerns about his readiness for a full season. This is Gil’s final minor league option year, though if he is recalled within the first 20 days of the season, the option won’t technically need to be used. He remains under club control through 2028, and spending fewer than 99 days on the roster could delay his free agent eligibility by a season. Gil has pitched in six spring training games, totaling 19 1/3 innings with a 4.66 ERA. While his strikeout rate (29.6%) and walk rate (6.2%) were strong, he allowed six home runs (2.79 HR/9), indicating a need for improved command. Winquest, the Rule 5 pick, will make his major league debut after allowing eight earned runs on 13 hits and four walks with eight strikeouts in 10 spring training innings.#new_york_yankees #luis_gil #greg_joyce #cade_winquest #rule_5_draft
