New York Yankees star Juan Soto is set to undergo X-rays after sustaining a knee injury during a game against the Seattle Mariners. The injury occurred while Soto made an impressive sliding catch on a foul ball in the seventh inning, hitting his knee against the outfield wall. Despite completing the catch, Soto was visibly in pain, sparking concerns about his ability to return to the lineup as the team gears up for the postseason.
Soto described the moment as “a little scary” due to the immediate sharp pain he felt in his kneecap. “I went straight into the concrete,” he said, explaining that the pain gradually subsided but left him and the team anxious about the potential severity of the injury. The upcoming X-rays are primarily precautionary, and Soto remains optimistic about his recovery. “I feel pretty good; not bad at all,” he told reporters.
Juan Soto made a terrific catch sliding into the wall in foul territory. He appeared to injure his leg but is staying in the game pic.twitter.com/OwODPYAfL8
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 19, 2024
Manager Aaron Boone also expressed confidence that Soto avoided a serious injury. Boone noted that the way Soto slid into the wall likely helped him avoid a worse outcome, though he acknowledged that Soto “banged his knee pretty good.”
Soto has been a key player for the Yankees this season, with a career-high 40 home runs and 103 RBIs. His performance has been crucial as the Yankees pursue their first World Series title in 15 years. With a playoff berth already secured, Soto’s health remains a priority, especially as he heads toward free agency.
While Soto’s competitive spirit shines through, both he and the Yankees know that ensuring he is fully healthy for the postseason is the ultimate goal. His condition will be reassessed ahead of the team’s next game against the Oakland Athletics.
Juan Soto Hits Pinch-Hit RBI Double After Knee Injury Scare
Juan Soto, initially scratched from the lineup due to a knee injury, delivered a game-changing pinch-hit RBI double in the 10th inning, helping the New York Yankees secure a 4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics. After hurting his left knee in Seattle a day earlier, Soto sat out most of the game but approached manager Aaron Boone mid-game, saying he felt good enough for one key at-bat if needed.
That moment came in the 10th inning, and Soto didn’t disappoint. After Anthony Rizzo’s single put runners on the corners, Boone turned to Soto, who delivered an opposite-field RBI double, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead. “He loves the moment,” said starting pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Soto had been sidelined due to swelling and soreness after sliding into a concrete wall during a catch in Seattle. However, X-rays on Friday confirmed no serious injury, allowing Soto to contribute when it mattered most.
“I felt good, and I knew I had a chance,” Soto said post-game. The Yankees, already securing a playoff spot, are relying on Soto’s power and competitive spirit as they push for an AL East title.
Soto is batting .288 with 40 home runs and 104 RBIs this season.