San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto struggled a bit with a calf issue during spring training.
He got over it just in time before the World Baseball Classic, and he had an amazing performance there.
Then, upon returning to the Padres’ camp and the Cactus League, he suffered a mild left oblique strain.
The Padres might have been praying a lot for Soto’s health, because despite the two aforementioned ailments, their prized slugger appears to be ready to go for Opening Day.
“’I am really excited to be healthy to play opening day.’ Juan Soto doubled and walked three times in four plate appearances in a ‘B’ game this morning,” Padres insider Kevin Acee tweeted.
“I am really excited to be healthy to play opening day.”
Juan Soto doubled and walked three times in four plate appearances in a “B” game this morning.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 27, 2023
That, indeed, looks like a vintage Soto stat line so yes, we would say he is completely healthy.
Fortunately the oblique strain wasn’t grade 3 or worse, because it only slowed him down for a few days.
The calf strain was also minor.
Soto is one of the most important players on the Padres’ roster.
He is part of a fearsome top of the order that will also feature Fernando Tatis Jr. (at some point in late-April), Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts.
Soto and Machado, with the help of an amazing pitching staff and some talented hitters, took the Padres to the Championship Series last year.
It’s fair for fans to dream about a World Series appearance now that they will have Bogaerts, Tatis, Nelson Cruz, and other savvy signings.
Soto will likely be one of the top performers, with his unmatched plate discipline and solid contact skills and power.
NEXT: Fernando Tatis Jr. Showed Off His Arm In A Big Way
