Juan Soto delivers game-saving throw in New York Yankees debut،
HOUSTON — That Juan Soto's first iconic Yankees moment came in his Opening Day debut was no exaggeration for a superstar with an uncanny ability to show up in the biggest moments.
But for that moment to happen on a game-saving defensive play? That wasn't part of the scenario anyone, at least on the outside, envisioned for Soto, whose defense has been a blow to him, especially over the past two seasons.
That’s what happened Thursday afternoon against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. With one out and two runners on in the ninth inning and the Yankees holding a one-run lead, Kyle Tucker singled to Soto to right field. Soto's route to the ball was clean, he scooped it up smoothly and let it rip – a missile of a hop to home plate that catcher Jose Trevino caught before turning to apply a tough hit to Mauricio Dubon.
Soto beat his chest and cried out a few times. The play, confirmed after lengthy review, prevented the Astros from tying the score and potentially snowballing to win it. Moments later, Clay Holmes closed the door, securing the Yankees' 5-4 victory.
Moments before the game, according to center fielder Aaron Judge, the Yankees outfielders talked about the situation and how they had to pitch to save the game.
“It was a Yankees classic,” Judge said. “Juan’s debut was pretty special from him.”
These debuts also included some typical Soto stuff. An eight-pitch walk in his first appearance at the plate for the Yankees. An RBI single in a tough left-to-left game against Framber Valdez. Another walk.
But coming home made the difference.
“His process, his work ethic and his focus is more than just hitting, he takes a lot of pride in his defense,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He wants to be great on defense. He wants to be really good on goal. And he made a winning play today on defense.”
Defense has been the only blemish on Soto's resume. The data indicates he's been below average or worse in recent years, and the eyes have borne it out.
He knew improvements were needed to maximize not only his value with the Yankees, but also in free agency next winter. So he made defense a priority during spring training.
The first step was getting acclimated to right field again after playing all 154 games last season in left field for the San Diego Padres — the routes, the throwing angles. Yankees third base coach Luis Rojas was a resource.
That work paid off in the ninth inning on Thursday.
“It’s just a great feeling,” Soto said. “It tells you that I'm going in the right direction, which I've been doing, and I'm more excited to continue.”
