Juan Soto feels ‘big relief’ after MRI but finds it ‘tough’ to remain benched
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Juan Soto is relieved that his MRI diagnosis on Friday morning showed inflammation but no ligament damage. He had to leave the game against the Twins on Thursday following left forearm discomfort.
Following the game against the Dodgers, Juan Soto addressed reporters, expressing relief after his MRI revealed only inflammation in his forearm, with no serious damage. The slugger said the results were what he had hoped for.
“It was what I was looking for,” the Yankees slugger said. “Just try to see what was really going on on my elbow. And we were having a little bit of thinking what it’s going to be like and how it’s going to come out. And thank God it came out that way.”
Juan Soto expressed relief after learning the results of his MRI scan. He acknowledged the anxiety caused by the unknown nature of the injury but indicated a positive outlook following the diagnosis.
The Yankees slugger explained that the team would be taking a cautious approach to his return to action, monitoring his progress daily. Juan Soto acknowledged the collaborative effort to ensure his healthy return and emphasized his commitment to the recovery process.
“Yeah, definitely, definitely mean, I really. It feels a big relief,” he said. “You know, it was a tough spot where it was my elbow was kind of like right there. But now I feel good.”
Juan Soto voiced his frustration with being sidelined due to injury. He emphasized his dislike for watching from the bench and his desire to contribute to the team’s success on the field.
The star slugger reiterated his eagerness to rejoin the lineup, adding, “It’s tough to see the game from the bench and I don’t like that. It was tough. So I try my best to be out there and try to help the team. As I said, it’s always tough to watch the game from the bench. I want to be out there, want to be out there trying to win again with my teammates, try to enjoy the moment.”
Despite the forearm issue, Juan Soto can breathe easier knowing there is no structural damage.
When asked if he has a timeline for the return to games, Juan Soto replied, “We will see for the next couple of days how we’re going to feel. We’re going to go day by day and see how I’ve been feeling. I mean we are all trying to put one piece in one spot and you know I’m trying to do my best.”
Yankees are elated at Juan Soto good news
Yankees manager Aaron Boone delivered positive news regarding outfielder Juan Soto before the series opener against the Dodgers. Boone reported that his injury was just inflammation, and the player would start taking medicines. He mentioned that Juan Soto was only prescribed oral medication, with no need for a cortisone shot.
”Good news,” an elated Boone said before the Yankees met the Dodgers on Friday. “Just some information in there. So, he’ll start some medicine and right now treat him as day to day.”
The Yankees are currently classifying Juan Soto as day-to-day. Following medication, the Yankees are optimistic that Juan Soto’s forearm will improve soon.
Though he did not start Friday’s game against Los Angeles, the Yankees are not planning to place Juan Soto on the 15-day injured list. According to Boone, the slugger might be available to pinch-hit Friday night and there is a plan to bring him back to the starting lineup over the weekend.
The positive MRI results on Juan Soto’s forearm have raised hopes that he could be back as early as Saturday or Sunday against the Dodgers, alleviating concerns about a more serious injury for the key slugger.
Boone noted that a tear or ligament issue would have been far more concerning and potentially season-ending, referencing the case of top Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez, who required Tommy John surgery after experiencing elbow discomfort following his MLB debut last September.
In Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers, Aaron Judge took his usual spot in right field, while Trent Grisham manned center and Alex Verdugo played left.
Judge revealed that many, including himself, were hopeful that Juan Soto could pinch-hit in a critical moment during Friday’s game. While acknowledging that it didn’t transpire, Judge emphasized the importance of rest for Soto’s recovery and expressed confidence in his teammate’s return to the field.
Boone described Juan Soto’s reaction to the MRI results as calm and collected. He explained that the player was primarily interested in understanding the cause of his ongoing discomfort.
“He’s pretty cool customer,” manager Boone said. “I know in his mind he wanted to know what was going on there because of that soreness was just lingering each and every day. I don’t want to speak for him, but I’m sure it gave him some peace of mind.”
As the Yankees prepare for their weekend two games against the Dodgers, Juan Soto is expected to start on Saturday but there is no clarity if he will resume his role in right field on a daily basis. However, Boone acknowledged the possibility of using him as a designated hitter strategically. The Yankees are cautious that the injury wouldn’t be a long-term issue, and they would remain flexible and utilize him for the designated hitter role as needed.
Juan Soto reportedly had been managing the forearm discomfort for over a week, relying on pre-game treatment to stay game-ready. The routine worked again on Friday until a 56-minute rain delay prior to the sixth inning aggravated the issue, forcing him out of the game.
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- Categories: aaron judge, Juan Soto, Yankees injury update
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