PHOENIX — Michael Soroka delivered one of the best Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching debuts against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night.
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Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Soroka, who signed with the D-Backs in the offseason as an addition to bolster the club’s starting rotation, took the mound and set the tone early despite a wobbly Spring Training.
Through five innings, Soroka gave up just four hits, no runs and had 10 strikeouts — the most by a Diamondback pitcher making his franchise debut. The starter also threw an immaculate inning in his final frame, striking out the side to wrap up an impressive Arizona debut. He’s the first D-Backs pitcher to throw one since Wade Miley in 2012.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The club’s offseason has centered around the starting rotation and who they would bring in to fill holes left by Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly (although both eventually returned to the desert). Soroka’s one-year deal was expected to provide the rotation with some stability, and if his first start is any indication, that stability could prove to be much more.
Soroka’s outing also mirrored that of left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez on Saturday, when he pitched five scoreless innings and neutralized a dangerous offense like Detroit’s. With his command locked in, Soroka left the game in line for a win, with the D-Backs scoring eight runs behind him.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
After a three-game sweep over the weekend, Arizona was counting on a performance like this to help push them toward a possible first win. In a stacked National League West, starting the season down three isn’t ideal, but Soroka kept them in the game and then some.
Michael’s immaculate 🤌 pic.twitter.com/EM2ubB0Ozz
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 31, 2026
The Diamondbacks continue their three-game series against the Tigers on Tuesday, March 31.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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