Former AS pitcher broke Johnson’s D-backs franchise record in debut 

Only one game into his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka has already created comparisons with a franchise icon. 

During his season and team debut on Monday night, Soroka, 28, was so dominant that he passed Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson for the most strikeouts in a pitcher’s first start with the Diamondbacks. 

Soroka’s new franchise record came during Arizona’s 9-6 win over the visiting Detroit Tigers. The former All-Star (2019) struck out 10 batters in just five innings of work. He also pitched a shutout, giving up only four hits and allowing only one walk. 

Michael Soroka has set the bar very high for his 2026 season 

Now 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, Soroka has set the bar extremely high for the rest of his 2026 season with his new team.