Juan Soto had a real heart-stopping moment during Monday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.
The San Diego Padres slugger was in the on-deck circle as teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. batted in the first inning. Tatis checked his swing on a 1-2 slider and made contact. The ensuing foul ball then made a beeline for Soto, who was struck in the arm by it.
Take a look.
Juan Soto was okay after getting hit by this foul ball off the bat of Fernando Tatis Jr
: FS1 pic.twitter.com/gEIRpz9WeZ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 26, 2023
Soto winced in pain immediately after being hit but was ultimately okay. He remained in the lineup for the entire game (though ended up going just 1-for-4 on the evening as the Padres lost, 2-1, to essentially eliminate them from playoff contention.)
It probably helps that Soto bats and throws left-handed whereas the foul ball hit him in the right arm. Still, the three-time All-Star is lucky that Tatis did not make stronger contact than that, resulting in only a slightly brisk ricochet. Some other MLB players have been far less fortunate with foul balls this season.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!