In a surprising turn of events, Juan Soto, the star player of the New York Yankees, had to exit Thursday’s game prematurely due to an injury. Soto’s departure occurred during the top of the sixth inning after a rain delay, prompting the Yankees to reveal that he was experiencing discomfort in his left forearm.
To fill the void left by Soto, Alex Verdugo was brought in to take his place in the lineup, assuming the position of left field. This positional change also led to Aaron Judge shifting back to right field.
As this situation continues to develop, it is unlikely that any further updates will be provided until the conclusion of the game. While it is not wise to speculate, it is worth noting that the Yankees made an intriguing (and potentially connected) decision shortly after Soto’s injury.
According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, Jasson Dominguez, the outfielder for the New York Yankees, was removed from the team’s game in Triple-A before the eighth inning. Dominguez has been on a rehab assignment and has played 16 games in the minor leagues. It is possible that he may soon be ready to return to the major league level, and the Yankees may be considering this due to Soto’s injury.
Juan Soto is currently having an exceptional season, with a batting average of .318, an on-base percentage of .424, and a slugging percentage of .603. He has hit 17 home runs, driven in 53 runs, and drawn 46 walks, resulting in an OPS of 1.027. Soto is a top contender for the American League MVP award, alongside his teammate Judge, and is performing at this high level in the final year of his contract.
After this season, Soto will become a free agent for the first time in his career. As a three-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and one-time World Series champion, he is positioned for a lucrative contract, potentially exceeding $500 million.
Throughout the 2024 season, Soto has achieved numerous historic milestones and played a key role in leading the Yankees to the top of the AL standings with a record of 44-19. They are currently tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in all of baseball.
The injury to Soto is a cause for concern, as he is not only one of the best players in baseball but also a vital player for the Yankees. As of Thursday, Soto’s 4.0 fWAR is tied for second in the MLB, trailing only Judge.
The Yankees are expected to provide an update on Soto’s condition soon after the conclusion of the game. They will be hoping that the injury is not serious and that their star outfielder can return to action soon.
As for Dominguez, if there is any correlation between Soto’s injury and his potential call-up, he has proven himself ready with impressive numbers at the minor league level. Dominguez has hit .310 with four home runs, 10 RBIs, and an OPS of .927. Last year, he showcased his power with four home runs in just eight games at the MLB level before succumbing to an elbow injury and undergoing Tommy John surgery.