Al Rojas Vivo: José Soriano domina el pitcheo latino en MLB

José Soriano’s Four Brilliant Season Appearances Keep Him Firmly at Number One in ‘Al Rojas Vivo’

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In an ‘Al Rojas Vivo’ ranking of the most outstanding Latin American pitchers in the Major League Baseball season, largely dominated by Dominicans, Los Angeles Angels right-hander José Soriano is comfortably at number one. As has been a 21-year tradition at ESPN Digital, ‘Al Rojas Vivo’ is updated every Tuesday, considering season-long statistics.

Pos.: Starting Pitcher | Team: Los Angeles Angels | Previous Ranking: 1

2026 Statistics

Dominican right-hander José Soriano (4-0, 0.33 ERA, 31 strikeouts in 27.0 innings) is the first pitcher since 1900 to throw over 25 innings in his first four appearances of a season, allowing fewer than 10 hits and less than two runs. The right-hander boasts three scoreless starts and two with 10 or more strikeouts. He ranks second in MLB in fWAR (0.9).

Pos.: Starting Pitcher| Team: Philadelphia Phillies | Previous Ranking: 3

2026 Statistics

Philadelphia Phillies’ Dominican left-hander Cristopher Sánchez has not allowed more than two runs in any of his first four starts and ranks second in the National League in fWAR (0.8). Sánchez (2-1, 2.01 ERA) leads MLB with 31 strikeouts and is fourth with 12.49 strikeouts per nine innings.

Pos.: Starting Pitcher | Team: Arizona Diamondbacks | Previous Ranking: 5

2026 Statistics

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Venezuelan left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez has allowed only one run in 18 innings through his first three starts of the season. Rodríguez (1-0, 0.50 ERA) has 11 strikeouts, five walks, one home run allowed, and has limited opponents to a .197 batting average.

Pos.: Starting Pitcher | Team: San Diego Padres | Previous Ranking: –

2026 Statistics

Dominican right-hander Randy Vásquez has been brilliant for the San Diego Padres through the first three weeks of the season. Vásquez (1-0, 1.02 ERA) has allowed just two runs, with 19 strikeouts and four walks, in 17.2 innings.

Pos.: Starting Pitcher | Team: Miami Marlins | Previous Ranking: 2

2026 Statistics

Dominican right-hander Sandy Alcántara had a tough last outing with the Miami Marlins, but he remains one of MLB’s top performers in the season’s first month. Alcántara (2-1, 2.67 ERA) leads baseball with 30.1 innings pitched, is the only pitcher with a complete game, ranks fifth in WHIP (0.86) in the National League, and has 22 strikeouts and four walks across four starts.

Detroit Tigers’ Curaçaoan closer Kenley Jansen tied Lee Smith for third place on the all-time saves list (478). The only pitchers ahead of Jansen are Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601).

Note: Statistics updated through Monday’s games.