Michael Soroka fires 97 mph in World Baseball Classic start for Canada

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka made his World Baseball Classic debut for Team Canada on Saturday and delivered some heat in an 8-2 win against Colombia.

Soroka threw three innings with one earned run on four hits, reaching 97 mph with his fastball and drawing four whiffs against his slurve.

He had to work out of trouble in the third inning, throwing back-to-back 97.2 mph heaters before catching Reynaldo Rodriguez looking at a slurve to strand runners on the corners.

Soroka was optimistic about how he’s feeling on the mound.

“Over the last couple of years, kind of found some stuff, and this right at the end is what it’s all about,” Soroka told reporters in Puerto Rico. “That’s the situation that you dream of. They got their three-hole hitter up … and it’s just your stuff versus theirs in that moment. Just enjoying the opportunity to be able to represent the country and do them justice. … I felt like we let it rip early and often.”

Canada manager Ernie Whitt added, “I’m looking forward to his next start in Houston,” in a display of confidence his team will advance out of the group stage of the WBC.

Soroka’s fastball averaged 93.6 mph last season between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, which ticked up to 95.1 mph while he pitched in relief for the Cubs. He averaged 94.7 mph on Saturday.

The veteran signed with Arizona this offseason to provide depth to the starting rotation. At that point, he was confident that the adjustments he made to his delivery and arsenal would set the 2019 All-Star up for a resurgent season.

He made two Cactus League appearances for the D-backs before taking off (4 ER in 3.2 IP).

The right-hander has said he sees himself as more valuable starting games than coming out of the bullpen, although the D-backs could have a crowded rotation out of camp if Merrill Kelly can avoid the injured list (back).

Despite a checkered injury past, Soroka was eager to pitch for his home country for the first time in a long time this spring. Canada did not make it out of its pool in 2023, but the roster has a lot of major league talent and should compete for a spot in the quarterfinals.

“The last time I got to be out there and wear the Canadian flag, it was kind of a junior program,” the Calgary native said.

“Obviously you’re looking at the draft, and it’s kind of a different process. This is the first time where you really get to go let it rip, and all that matters is get a win. These guys really showed up. It’s a great atmosphere, a great culture, a bunch of guys I’ve gotten to play with in the past.”

Related

Diamondbacks prospect Jaitoine Kelly becomes youngest World Baseball Classic starting pitcherDiamondbacks' Corbin Carroll takes live ABs, aiming to play spring training gamesWorld Baseball Classic pool play games to watch for DiamondbacksCardinals place P.J. Mustipher on IR, sign Brodric MartinJeremiyah Love isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer on honoring Larry Fitzgerald in Hall of Fame gameDiamondbacks trade deadline: Latest buzz and potential targets