Pirates acquire pitcher Joakim Soria from Detroit

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.