Juan Soto showed no rust in his first game back. The Washington Nationals star missed the first eight games of the season as he was in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
In his first at-bat, Soto delivered an RBI-double batting in the cleanup spot off New Mets starter Rick Porcello. The double scored Adam Eaton, giving Washington it’s first run of the game.
He wasn’t done making highlights. Playing out of left field, Soto made a great diving catch to rob Andrés Giménez of an extra base hit.
Soto is herald for his bat, but his defense is nearly as great. Him being a Gold Glove finalist goes unnoticed when advertising his great start to his young career.
Soto was cleared on July 29 to rejoin his Nationals’ teammates. However, Washington’s weekend series against the Miami Marlins was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak with the Marlins.
Soto contends he was responsible and believes he had a “fake positive” test.
Nevertheless, he participated in team scrimmages over the weekend as they waited to resume their season against the Mets. He did not start Tuesday’s series opener but was available.
Soto’s strong start to the season is promising, as Washington missed his presence in the middle of the order. The departed Anthony Rendon is now with the Los Angeles Angels, getting back Soto adds clutch and power hitting to the lineup.
Last season he hit .274/.416/.488 with seven home runs and 72 RBIs with runners in scoring position. His first at-bat of the 2020 season picked up right where he left off.
