The New York Yankees will send star Juan Soto for X-rays after an injury scare during the series finale loss to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Fortunately, initial reports suggest that he might have avoided a major injury.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Juan Soto made a spectacular catch in foul territory, sliding against the right field wall. While Soto was able to hold onto the ball to get the out, he hit his left knee against the concrete sidewall and showed noticeable pain.
The good news is that Soto was able to stay in the game. After the match, the 25-year-old expressed initial concern about sliding into the wall, but also shared with reporters that the pain had subsided and he was feeling better.
“I was really worried,” Soto said, via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “I went straight into the concrete, and when I threw the ball, I just felt a lot of pain in my kneecap. Definitely, with time, [the pain] started going down and feeling better. Definitely, it was a little scary right there.”
Next steps for Soto with the Yankees
Soto experienced some stiffness after icing his knee and believes he has a bruise. Asked if he expected to play in the Yankees’ series opener in Oakland on Friday, the outfielder said it would depend on how his knee felt in the morning.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Soto will undergo an X-ray, but the manager believes his star will be fine. While Soto certainly caused an initial scare for the Yankees, it appears the X-rays are just a precaution. It remains to be seen if he plays in the next game, but Soto appears to be in good shape.