Juan Soto has been diagnosed with left forearm inflammation, as confirmed by New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Friday. Despite the inflammation, Juan Soto is not expected to require a stint on the injured list.
Juan Soto benched in Game 1
During Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Juan Soto found himself in an unusual spot — on the Yankees‘ bench. Despite not being in the starting lineup, Soto’s presence off the field was hard to miss. Throughout the tense extra-inning contest, cameras caught him in full uniform, holding a bat at the dugout’s edge, seemingly ready to swing. His eagerness to contribute suggested a potential pinch-hit appearance loomed, adding to the anticipation of the game’s outcome.
As the innings unfolded, Soto remained immersed in the action, his focus fixed on the field as he watched his teammates battle. Even though he didn’t step up to the plate, his support for the team never wavered, evident in his animated reactions to pivotal plays. Juan Soto’s bench role underscored his significance within the Yankees’ lineup, with his absence felt keenly as the offense struggled to ignite.
Despite Juan Soto’s obvious readiness, Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted not to call upon the slugger during crucial moments. When questioned about the prospect of Soto pinch-hitting, Boone tersely replied, “Not tonight, not tonight.” When probed further about Soto’s presence possibly being a decoy, Boone offered a vague response, stating, “He was just feeling the moment, there, a little bit.”
Boone’s enigmatic comments left fans and analysts scratching their heads, eager for insight into his decision-making process.
Juan Soto might be available against the Dodgers this weekend
Following his exit from Thursday’s game due to soreness, Juan Soto underwent testing on Friday. The tests revealed inflammation but showed no ligament damage in his elbow.
Manager Boone stated that Juan Soto is considered day-to-day and was not included in the lineup for Friday night’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in New York. However, Boone mentioned that Soto might be available to pinch hit over the weekend.
On Thursday, Juan Soto was pulled at the start of the sixth inning after a 56-minute rain delay during a game against the Minnesota Twins. Post-game, Soto mentioned that the discomfort in his forearm had been persistent for about one and a half to two weeks.
A three-time All-Star, Juan Soto is currently batting .318 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs, significantly contributing to the Yankees’ impressive record of 45-19, the best in baseball this season.
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