BREAK: After Juan Soto injury Yankees ordered another crucial star to 2024 lineup

New York Yankees standout Juan Soto returned to his position in right field on Sunday despite initial plans to sit out a second consecutive game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a bruised right hand. Soto quickly resumed his impressive batting form, delivering a single off Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman in the first inning and crossing home plate on Aaron Judge’s 31st home run of the season. The injury occurred when Soto hurt his hand while sliding into home during New York’s 16-5 victory over Toronto on Friday. Initially scratched from Saturday’s lineup, Soto’s status for Sunday was uncertain until late Saturday, when X-rays came back negative.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had initially decided to keep Soto out of Sunday’s game but later reversed the decision, citing significant improvement in Soto’s condition following treatment. Boone emphasized caution, ensuring that Soto wouldn’t risk altering his swing mechanics. The team is considering further evaluation with an MRI or CT scan in New York on Monday. Despite the discomfort, Soto played through the injury, receiving treatment during the game and managing to hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning on Friday.

Reflecting on the injury, Soto acknowledged feeling the impact immediately after sliding home, and despite ongoing discomfort, he remained focused on competing and contributing to his team’s success. Soto, a three-time All-Star at 25 years old, has been a standout performer for the Yankees in his debut season with a batting average of .302, 20 home runs, 60 RBIs, and a remarkable 1.005 OPS. He leads the majors in on-base percentage (.434) and walks (69) as of Sunday.