Soto struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his second save of the season in a 6-4 win over the Orioles.
Craig Kimbrel got the call in the eighth inning against the heart of Baltimore's order, while Soto faced the 6-7-8 hitters for the O's en route to his first save since mid-May. While the left-hander does appear to be manager Rob Thomson's second choice for save chances, Kimbrel's spot as closer doesn't seem to be in any jeopardy. Since the beginning of June, Soto has posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB through 16.2 innings while collecting six holds and a win in addition to Wednesday's save.
Soto pitched a perfect inning to earn his first save of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Rockies.
Soto had no trouble protecting a three-run lead, retiring the side on 10 pitches. This was his first outing since Jose Alvarado (elbow) landed on the injured list. Craig Kimbrel got the first save chance Friday, but Soto should also be in the mix in what's likely to be a closer committee for the next few weeks. Soto has a 4.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB while logging seven holds over 20 appearances (18 innings) this season.
Soto is expected to split closing duties with Craig Kimbrel after Jose Alvarado (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
The lefty-throwing Alvarado has been Philadelphia's top reliever and primary closing option this season with five saves, but he's now sidelined by elbow inflammation. Kimbrel has three saves but has struggled at times with a 7.62 ERA in 15 outings, which could allow Soto -- who tallied 30 saves for Detroit in 2022 -- to take a larger share of the closer role.
