Juan Soto, the star right fielder for the New York Yankees, was sidelined from the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to left elbow inflammation. This absence marked his first missed game of the season, following his removal from Thursday’s game against Minnesota due to forearm discomfort.
Fortunately, a scan revealed only inflammation, bringing relief to Soto and his team. However, his return remains uncertain, and he is currently listed as day-to-day.
With Soto out, Trent Grisham took his place in center field while Aaron Judge shifted from center to right. Additionally, Alex Verdugo was moved up from cleanup to Soto’s regular No. 2 spot in the batting order for the second consecutive night. Despite these adjustments, the Yankees struggled offensively, managing only one run in 14 innings at the plate since Soto’s departure from Thursday’s game.
Soto disclosed that the discomfort in his throwing arm had been bothering him for about 1 1/2 to two weeks. He is currently undergoing treatment, with the team prioritizing his recovery to ensure the inflammation subsides before his return to the field. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the importance of addressing the issue comprehensively to prevent any further risk to Soto’s health, indicating a cautious approach toward his comeback.
While Soto is eager to return to the lineup, he understands the necessity of resolving the inflammation before resuming playfully. Boone expressed confidence that Soto is not jeopardizing his health by playing through discomfort but acknowledged the urgency of resolving the issue.
Despite the possibility of Soto landing on the injured list if his condition does not improve significantly in the coming days, Boone remains optimistic about his swift recovery.
With an impressive batting average of .318, along with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, Soto’s absence poses a significant challenge for the Yankees. However, the team is prioritizing his long-term health and aims to have him back at full strength as soon as possible. As they navigate through Soto’s recovery process, the Yankees remain focused on maintaining their position atop the American League standings.