Press Release
Joakim Soria Traded to the Pirates, JaCoby Jones lands in Detroit
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired right-handed pitcher Joakim Soria (pronounced wah-Keem Soer-ee-ah) from Detroit in exchange for minor league infielder JaCoby Jones. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
The 31-year-old two-time All-Star (2008 and 2010) went 3-1 with 23 saves, a 2.85 ERA (41.0ip/13er), 36 strikeouts and a .212 batting average against in 43 appearances this year with the Tigers. Soria entered today tied for fifth in the American League in saves while being scored upon just once in his last 14 appearances (13.1ip).
Soria has a career record of 19-20 with 201 saves, a 2.61 ERA (424.1ip/123er), 453 strikeouts and .211 batting average against in 415 relief appearances in the big leagues with Kansas City (2007-11), Texas (2013-14) and Detroit (2014-15).
The Pirates will make a corresponding move on the 25-man active roster when Soria joins the team.
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced today that the club has acquired shortstop JaCoby Jones from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for righthanded pitcher Joakim Soria.
Jones, 23, was recently promoted to Double A Altoona and has hit .500 (5×10) with two runs scored and two RBI in three games. He has spent most of 2015 with Single A Bradenton and hit .253 (96×379) with 48 runs scored, 18 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 58 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Jones ranked third in the Florida State League with 58 RBI. Over his minor league career, he has batted .277 (248×895) with 41 doubles, eight triples, 34 home runs, 140 RBI, and 35 stolen bases in 228 games. The 6-2, 202 lbs. shortstop is ranked as the 12th-best prospect in the Pirates organization by MLB.com. The Richton, Mississippi, native was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the June 2013 Draft.
Soria has posted a 3-1 record, 23 saves, a 2.85 ERA (41.0IP/13ER), and 36 strikeouts over 43 appearances with the Tigers this season. Since being acquired from the Texas Rangers on July 23rd of last season, Soria compiled a 4-2 record, 24 saves, a 3.29 ERA (52.0IP/19ER), and 42 strikeouts over 56 games with the Tigers.
Main image credit:
