The New York Yankees are set to leave Juan Soto out of the starting lineup again for Sunday evening’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, alongside veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo. However, there is good news on the horizon as the team announced that Soto is expected to engage in a full pregame routine and might be available off the bench if needed.
Soto’s Recovery Progress and Expected Return to the Yankees
Encouragingly, the Yankees anticipate Soto’s return during the upcoming series against Kansas City, which starts next week. This development is a positive indicator that Soto is nearing full recovery. He has been managing discomfort in his left forearm, which led to his early removal during a rain delay last week and subsequent imaging. Fortunately, these tests revealed no structural damage, much to the relief of Yankee fans.
Soto’s Impact and Performance Highlights
Juan Soto remains a crucial part of the Yankees’ offense, boasting a .318/.424/.603 slash line with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs this season. His disciplined approach at the plate is evident from his 16.6% strikeout rate and 15.9% walk rate.
Soto’s impressive 191 wRC+ is the second-highest in his career, contributing to a total of 4.6 WAR so far this season. He is on track to surpass his 6.1 WAR from last year and possibly even his career-best 6.8 WAR from 2021.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Soto has made commendable defensive contributions. Over 559 innings this season, he has maintained a perfect fielding percentage, with one defensive run saved and one out above average. Particularly noteworthy is his performance with runners in scoring position, where he is hitting .385/.455/.769 with a 1.224 OPS, highlighting his critical role in clutch situations.
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As the Yankees prepare to face the Dodgers without one of their key hitters, they eagerly anticipate Soto’s return next week, hoping his bat will provide a much-needed boost to their lineup.