Sosa was used almost exclusively in relief during his 12-year MLB career. He appeared in 601 games, just three as a starter, and performed as both a closer and a long reliever. He twice had an earned run average (ERA) below 2.00 (1977 and 1979), and in his rookie year, 1973, he won 10 games, saved 18, and pitched in 71 games, all of which would become career highs.
In 1973, he saved nine of teammate Ron Bryant's major league-leading 24 wins, including #20.
won games on two consecutive days vs. the Atlanta Braves, pitching a combined 4 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts, no walks, and giving up just one hit (September 1 and 2, 1973)
4 scoreless innings to earn a save against the Cincinnati Reds (July 26, 1974)
4 innings, allowing just one run (unearned), to earn a save against the San Francisco Giants (May 23, 1976)
4.1 scoreless innings, with a career-high 6 strikeouts, for a no decision vs. the San Diego Padres (July 10, 1977)
3 perfect innings to earn a save against the Toronto Blue Jays (May 2, 1978)
4 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, to earn a save against the San Diego Padres (July 15, 1979)
