Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto may have an unfortunate end to an eventful week. After a week full of reports about contract extension talks with the Nationals, Soto exited Sunday’s game against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning after experiencing tightness in his left calf.
Following the 7-4 extra innings loss, Nationals manager Dave Martinez revealed Soto was having an MRI done to understand the extent of the injury, according to Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty.
Soto was caught in a rundown to end the fourth inning. It seemed as if the injury occurred there, as he carefully walked off the field. However, the MASN telecast showed Soto flexing his left leg in the third inning after he fielded a leadoff double from Bryan De La Cruz, according to Mark Zuckerman.
Soto entered Sunday’s game on an eight-game hit streak. He hit .346/500/.615 with a home run and four doubles during the streak. His streak came to a halt and now there is concern focused on his health.
Last month, Soto exited a game in the ninth inning after he slipped in the dugout and banged his knee against the bench. He missed two games before returning to the lineup.
Soto’s name has been in the headlines all week. He reportedly turned down another contract offer from the Nationals that exceeded last winter’s $350 million offer. It was also reported talks have intensified between him and the club.
