Angels’ José Soriano says he’s not concerned about his future after this season ends early

ANAHEIM — The first chapter of José Soriano’s introduction as a big league starting pitcher was a success.

Now, he’s just got to add to it.

“I’m going to work harder to be healthy,” the Angels right-hander said through an interpreter on Saturday.

Soriano was shut down in August because of arm fatigue, and he said when he tried to throw he felt some discomfort, so the Angels opted to end his season early.

Soriano said he underwent an MRI exam that was “clear,” so he’s not concerned about his long-term health.

“I think there’s going to be no issues,” he said.

Still, manager Ron Washington suggested he’ll need to ramp up his workouts this winter to build more durability. Soriano threw 113 innings this season, by far the most of any of his professional seasons. His previous high was 82-1/3 innings, in 2019. That was two Tommy John surgeries ago.

“I think his winter workout will be much more vigorous, because he cares, and I know he doesn’t want to have to go through a season and all of a sudden hit a wall,” Washington said. “So we’re going to be on top of him. We’re going to give him a program, and then he’ll get this experience again, and I think he’ll take it a little further than he took it this year. And as each year comes and goes that he’s healthy and able to go out there and take the baseball, he’ll become the pitcher that we all know he’s capable of being.”

To that end, Soriano provided plenty of reason for optimism.

Soriano had a 3.42 ERA in 22 games, including 20 starts. He was typically efficient with his pitches, generating plenty of ground balls with a sinker that averaged 97.7 mph.

“I thought it was awesome, for a first timer,” Washington said. “I thought he did a great job. When he’s out there, he leaves everything out there, so he’s creating a lot of energy. He’s just got to learn to control it. And once he learns how to control it, I think he’ll be able to go deeper into the season.”

Soriano, 25, would seemingly be penciled in to a spot near the top of the rotation for next season. The list of options to fill out the rotation includes left-handers Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson and Sam Aldegheri and right-handers Griffin Canning, Chase Silseth, Caden Dana, Jack Kochanowicz and Sam Bachman.

MOORE RETURNS

Second baseman Christian Moore returned to the lineup at Double-A, starting as the DH on Saturday night.

The Angels’ first-round pick in July, Moore had been out since Aug. 30 because of what the team called a meniscus injury in his left knee. It was minor enough that he did not have surgery.

Before the injury, there was widespread speculation that Moore was going to be promoted to the majors by the end of the season.

When asked if there’s been any talk in the organization about still promoting now that he’s back, Washington smiled and hinted at the fact that Moore would have been up if he hadn’t gotten hurt.

“I’m glad he’s back on the field, but we haven’t had any discussion about (calling him up),” Washington said. “If the injury wouldn’t have happened, you wouldn’t have had to ask that question.”

Moore, 21, hit .330 with a .948 OPS in his first 24 minor league games.

The season ends for Double-A Rocket City after Sunday’s game. Triple-A Salt Lake plays for another week.

NOTES

Right-hander José Marte underwent right shoulder surgery, the team announced. Marte had been out with a viral infection, but he developed a shoulder problem while he was on the injured list. The team did not release the nature of the surgery, or whether it will prevent him from being ready by spring training. …

Infielder Michael Stefanic (calf) said on Saturday that he was available to pinch hit, and he hoped he could start on Sunday. …

Infielder Brandon Drury (hamstring tightness) did some hitting before Saturday’s game, but was not in the lineup. …

Right-hander Carson Fulmer (elbow inflammation) said he’s scheduled to throw again on Sunday. He could be activated after that. …

Outfielder Kevin Pillar (left thumb sprain) has been experimenting with a glove that would allow him to play before the end of the season. Pillar is expected to retire after the season.

UP NEXT

Astros (RHP Ronel Blanco, 10-6, 2.99) at Angels (RHP Caden Dana, 1-1, 9.00), at Angel Stadium, 1:07 p.m. PT Sunday, Bally Sports West, 830 AM.