Juan Soto will miss Friday’s season opener against the Oakland Athletics because he is still dealing with an inflammation in his knee.
The Yankees outfielder was initially in the starting lineup, but was pulled just hours before the first pitch. Manager Aaron Boone said X-rays on Soto’s knee came back negative, but the team isn’t concerned it will be a long-term problem.
Soto suffered the knee injury while making a sliding catch in foul territory during Thursday’s loss to the Seattle Mariners. Soto slid and caught the fly ball, but his right knee hit the wall. After writhing in pain for a moment and being treated by Yankees trainers, he remained in the game.
Boone said Soto could be available off the bench on Friday and will hopefully be back in the starting lineup on Saturday.
The Yankees enter Friday’s game four games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East. Their magic number to clinch the division is six.
