Yankees outfielder Juan Soto showcased resilience and determination during Thursday night’s 5-4 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field, despite ongoing discomfort from a bruised right hand sustained two weeks ago. The Yankees superstar made a significant impact with a home run, double, and two walks, though a painful swing-and-miss in the seventh inning highlighted his persistent injury concerns.
Soto admitted that his hand remains painful but noted some recent improvement. The Yankees’ medical staff has reassured him that the injury is not serious, and he has been working closely with trainers daily. They expect the issue to resolve over time.
“Still painful, but it’s been better [recently],” Soto said on Thursday. “I have my days like the first day here, it was really painful, but it got better the next two days.”
The Yankees outfielder is hopeful that he won’t have to deal with the pain for the entire season, explaining that he feels discomfort mainly when swinging and missing, not when making contact.
Manager Aaron Boone described Soto’s situation as a matter of pain tolerance, confirming that the Yankees slugger would not be playing if there was a risk of further injury.
Despite the discomfort, Soto intends to participate in the upcoming All-Star Game, viewing it as a valuable experience. The Yankees star emphasized that he would be cautious and keep the relevant parties informed about his hand condition.
“If I hit the ball, I’m fine,” he said. “I hope I don’t have to deal with it the whole season.”
Soto’s determination to play through the injury while managing his health underscores his commitment to the team and his desire to participate in high-profile events like the All-Star Game. His performance and health will likely remain focal points for the Yankees as they navigate the rest of the season.
“Yeah, why not?” Soto said when asked about him going to All-Star games. “It’s a great experience. Definitely I’m going to be careful with it. I’m going to try to take care of it. I’ll let all those guys know about my hand. We’ll see. Just having fun and enjoy the show.”
Boone provides an update on other Yankees injuries
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided key injury updates on several non-pitching players:
Anthony Rizzo, currently on the 60-day Injured List with a forearm fracture, remains significantly limited in his activities. The Yankees first baseman is confined to weight room work and won’t be eligible to return until August. Rizzo’s 2023 stats reflect a .223/.289/.341 slash line with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 70 games.
DJ LeMahieu missed Thursday’s lineup as a precaution after fouling a ball into his neck during Wednesday’s game. Although he underwent medical tests, LeMahieu reportedly feels fine. Boone confirmed that a concussion had been ruled out, and a CT scan was performed to exclude any major issues. The 2023 performance of the Yankees third baseman includes a .202/.296/.229 slash line with only three extra-base hits in 34 games.
Jon Berti, recovering from a calf strain, has made progress, running at near full speed and participating in hitting and fielding drills. Boone indicated that Berti will continue workouts at the team’s Tampa complex through the weekend, with plans to begin a rehab assignment after the All-Star break. In his 17 games this season, Berti has hit .273 with one home run and six RBIs.
These updates underscore the ongoing challenges the Yankees face in maintaining a healthy roster, particularly among their position players. The team is carefully managing these injuries as they aim to improve their performance in the second half of the season.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided detailed injury updates on several players, particularly focusing on the team’s bullpen, before Thursday’s series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Scott Effross, recovering from Tommy John and back surgeries, is on the verge of returning. He recently made his eighth rehab appearance with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, pitching a scoreless inning. Boone mentioned that Effross could rejoin the Yankees by the end of the month, though the team might use his full 30-day rehab period, which started on June 19. Effross, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since late 2022, has a 6.75 ERA in five rehab appearances.
Lou Trivino, also on the mend from Tommy John surgery, has advanced to throwing off a mound. He joined the team at Tropicana Field for bullpen sessions and might soon face batters, despite encountering some setbacks in his rehab.
Nick Burdi, on the 60-day Injured List with right hip inflammation, had a setback after throwing live batting practice on June 30. Nevertheless, Boone reported that Burdi’s condition has improved, and he’s set to resume mound work on Friday.
Ian Hamilton sidelined with a lat strain since June 17, has just begun his throwing program after a three-week break.
These updates underscore the Yankees’ efforts to strengthen their bullpen amid various injury challenges. The potential return of these relievers could significantly boost the team’s pitching depth and performance in the upcoming weeks.
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