Aside from Aaron Judge, the last player the Yankees can afford to lose heading into the playoffs is star slugger Juan Soto. The 25-year-old lefty is in the midst of one of his best professional seasons during a contract year, and he’s set to cash in big. The Yankees may ultimately win the bidding war for his services, but the New York Mets are expected to be heavy competitors, and they won’t give Hal Steinbrenner a break like they did during Judge’s negotiations.
Soto Has Been a Superstar for the Yankees
Soto is on pace to play over 150 games for the fourth consecutive season since the shortened 2020 campaign. He’s already appeared in 149 games this year, slashing .286/.418/.575 with a career-high 40 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 120 runs scored. The Yankees have benefited immensely from his elite ability to get on base, and Soto is also having one of his best defensive seasons.
A Scary Moment in Seattle
However, during Thursday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, Soto had a frightening injury scare. He made an acrobatic sliding catch in right field, crashing into the concrete wall along the first base line. His knee slammed into the wall, and he immediately struggled to stand, clearly in pain. The scene was initially concerning for Yankees fans and teammates alike.
“I was really worried,” Soto admitted. “I went straight into the concrete, and when I threw the ball, I just felt a lot of pain in my kneecap. Definitely, with time, [the pain] started going down and feeling better. Definitely, it was a little scary right there.”
Soto Avoids Serious Injury
Fortunately, Soto seems to have avoided a worst-case scenario. He didn’t twist or tear anything, and the injury appears to be a painful bruise on his kneecap. With about two weeks left before the playoffs, the Yankees are expected to exercise extreme caution, likely giving him some rest.
“At that moment, I was literally just thinking about my health,” Soto said. “I know everybody wants me to be healthy in the playoffs. Definitely, I was thinking about my health more than anything else. … It’s a bruise, because I hit it off the wall — literally straight up in the concrete. It definitely feels better [after getting treatment].”
Caution Against the Oakland Athletics
Given the situation, the Yankees can afford to give Soto a day off on Friday when they face the Oakland Athletics. The A’s are one of the worst teams in baseball this season, so resting Soto shouldn’t compromise the Yankees’ chances of winning. The team may opt to be cautious not only with this injury but also with any other nagging issues Soto might be dealing with.
The Race for the Division
Currently, the Yankees hold a four-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East standings and have already clinched a Wild Card spot. Securing the division title is crucial to skipping the Wild Card round and heading straight to the ALDS. With a weaker opponent in Oakland, the Yankees have a prime opportunity to build on their lead.
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Meanwhile, Baltimore is set to face the Detroit Tigers, a team that has won four straight games and is fighting for a Wild Card spot, trailing the Kansas City Royals by only two games. For the Yankees, the focus remains on maintaining their cushion in the division while ensuring their key players, like Juan Soto, are healthy for a deep postseason run.