Juan Soto, a New York Yankees outfielder, was a late return to the team’s lineup for Sunday’s 8-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays after missing Saturday’s game due to a damaged right hand.
With the MLB All-Star Game coming, it is logical to expect Soto to miss the event in order to heal his injury and prepare for the second half of the Yankees’ season.
But Soto has no such plans, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:
“Juan Soto said he still plans to play in the All-Star Game despite his right hand injury.”
Despite being visibly uncomfortable during the Yankees’ 5-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, Soto provided a positive report following the game.
“I would say it is better. The trainer’s approach has been more effective. It’s still painful, but I believe it’s been improved. I have my days. The first day here in the series was really painful, but it improved over the next two days.”
Soto injured his hand while sliding home in the Yankees’ 16-5 victory last Friday night. He was scheduled to have hand testing done on Monday when the Yankees returned to New York, but it was ruled that he was OK to play despite the pain.
The MLB All-Star Game is next Tuesday in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees will take a vacation from their regular season schedule from Monday to Thursday.
Juan Soto provides an update on his hand to @M_Marakovits and the rest of the media after the loss. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/QPFdIW2LVK
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 12, 2024
Yankees and Juan Soto at a standstill
After spending big money on Aaron Judge, the Yankees are still hoping to sign Soto to a major long-term contract as soon as feasible. But Soto is not in a hurry.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “the organizational support to keep Soto may be even stronger (Brian Cashman and Co. gave up five pitchers for Soto).” However, the stakes are higher since Soto, who is five years younger than Judge, is expected to demand $500 million or more, possibly $600 million.
Soto’s predicted reluctance to negotiate in-season originates from a desire not to distract from the season (and, of course, the ability to choose). Let’s face it: no talent of his quality signs months before free agency.
If Soto re-signs with the Yankees, Judge will play a significant role in the reunion.
Before games, Soto and Judge frequently gather together to prepare their attack against the opposing pitcher. The former feels the kind greeting he received made him feel more at ease with the Yankees.
“He definitely tries to help me out,” Soto stated about Judge. “He’s someone you can talk to and have fun with throughout the game. It’s been enjoyable thus far. It’s been excellent for us.”
“He started talking with me to let me know how happy they are,” Soto said of Judge and New York’s response to his initial deal. “That’s one thing that reveals who he is. We’ve had him, Gerrit Cole, and all of those men texting me. That certainly demonstrates how much they care about me.
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