Star slugger Juan Soto is the last player the Yankees can afford to lose before the postseason, other from Aaron Judge.
Currently in a contract year and enjoying one of his best professional seasons, the 25-year-old lefty is primed for big money.
The New York Mets are anticipated to be fierce rivals and they won’t give Hal Steinbrenner a break as they did during Judge’s discussions, even though the Yankees may end up winning the bidding battle for his talents.
With the exception of the abbreviated 2020 season, Soto is on track to appear in over 150 games for the fourth time in a row. This year, he has already played in 149 games, scoring 120 runs, driving in 103 runs, and hitting.286/.418/.575—a career-high. In addition to enjoying one of his best defensive seasons, Soto’s exceptional ability to get on base has greatly aided the Yankees.
But Soto had a terrifying injury scare during Thursday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. In right field, he made an incredible sliding catch that sent him hurtling into the first base line’s concrete wall. His knee caught on the wall, and he instantly staggered to his feet, obviously hurt. For starters, teammates and Yankees supporters alike found the scene alarming.
“I was truly concerned,” Soto acknowledged. “I just felt a lot of pain in my kneecap when I threw the ball because I went straight into the concrete.” Undoubtedly, [the pain] started to lessen and feel better over time. Yes, it was a touch frightening right there.
Thankfully, it appears that Soto has escaped the worst situation. It looks to be a painful bruise on his kneecap; he did not tear or twist anything. The Yankees are anticipated to be extremely cautious with two weeks left until the playoffs, which means they will probably give him some rest.
“I was literally just thinking about my health at that moment,” Soto stated. “I am aware that everyone wants me to do well in the postseason. I was undoubtedly more concerned about my health than anything else. I hit it off the wall, right up in the concrete, which is why it’s a bruise. It feels [after receiving treatment] much better.
When the Yankees play the Oakland Athletics on Friday, they can afford to give Soto the day off. Since the A’s are among the worst teams in baseball right now, the Yankees should have no trouble winning if Soto is rested. The team may decide to proceed cautiously with this injury as well as any niggling problems Soto may be having.
Baltimore will play the Detroit Tigers, who are just two games behind the Kansas City Royals for a Wild Card berth and have won four straight games. The Yankees’ priorities continue to be preserving their divisional lead and making sure that important players like Juan Soto are well enough to make a deep postseason run.