TORONTO– New York Yankees gardener Juan Soto was a late addition to the lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays after missing a loss the previous day due to a bruised right hand.
The three-time All-Star and 2020 National League batting champion singled off Toronto’s right-hander Kevin Gausman in his first at-bat and scored on Aaron judgeThe 31st home run of the season.
Soto was injured Friday night after sliding into the plate in the fourth inning of a 16-5 victory. He turned around after touching the plate with his left hand and his right hand slammed into the ground.
Judge was expected to play right field, with Trent Grisham in center, but New York added Soto to the lineup minutes before the first pitch.
Before making his decision, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Soto was feeling better.
“There’s a pretty significant improvement from where he was yesterday with the treatment he was able to receive,” Boone said.
Soto entered batting .302 with 20 homers and 60 RBIs. He said he felt pain during batting practice Saturday, forcing him to alter his swing.
“I don’t want him to compromise on anything or change his swing,” Boone said. “If anything like that happens, we’ll wait.”
Soto They took x-rays of me on Saturday, which did not present a fracture.
The Yankees rest on Monday before hosting Cincinnati on Tuesday.