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Yankees Await Juan Soto’s Return Entering Series with Royals
The New York Yankees are eagerly looking forward to the return of their star right fielder, Juan Soto, as they gear up to kick off a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Soto, who missed the recent series with the Los Angeles Dodgers due to left forearm inflammation, is a highly anticipated comeback for both the team and fans. As the Yankees aim to bounce back from their first series loss since early May, they’re hopeful that Soto’s return will bolster their lineup and improve their performance at the plate.
Juan Soto’s Absence and Impact
Soto’s absence was keenly felt during the series against the Dodgers, where the Yankees struggled offensively. Without their star player, the team batted just .226 and was only 3-for-21 with runners in scoring position. Soto’s return could provide the much-needed spark to the lineup, addressing these offensive woes. Manager Aaron Boone has expressed optimism about Soto’s condition, indicating that his return is likely based on his recovery progress and overall feeling.
Yankees’ Performance Without Soto
In Soto’s absence, the Yankees faced significant challenges, particularly in their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Despite these hurdles, they managed to salvage one game in the series, thanks in part to a clutch home run by Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge’s continued power hitting. Judge, who leads the majors with 24 home runs, was a bright spot for the Yankees, but the team clearly missed Soto’s presence in the lineup.
Kansas City Royals’ Recent Performance
The Kansas City Royals enter the series with the Yankees following a mixed performance in their recent games. After an eight-game winning streak that ended on May 25, the Royals have gone 5-8 in their past 13 games. Their recent loss to the Seattle Mariners highlighted some of the team’s struggles, particularly in closing out games. Closer James McArthur’s issues with control and aggressive pitching have been a point of frustration for the Royals.
Key Matchups: Pitching Duel
The series opener will feature an exciting pitching duel between Kansas City’s Seth Lugo and New York’s Carlos Rodon. Lugo, who boasts a 9-1 record and a 2.13 ERA, has been impressive this season. Despite a rough outing against Cleveland, Lugo remains one of the top pitchers in the majors. Rodon, on the other hand, has been on a winning streak, going 6-0 with a 2.48 ERA in his last six starts. His performance this season marks a significant turnaround from his injury-plagued 2023 campaign.
Carlos Rodon’s Redemption
Rodon’s return to Kansas City is particularly notable as it was the site of his worst outing last season. In his final start of 2023, Rodon failed to retire a single batter, allowing eight runs on six hits. This season, however, he has shown resilience and improvement, consistently delivering strong performances. His ability to maintain this form will be crucial for the Yankees as they look to secure wins in the upcoming series.
Conclusion
As the Yankees await Juan Soto’s return, they are hopeful that his presence will help reignite their offense and lead to a successful series against the Royals. With key matchups on the mound and a renewed focus on performance, the Yankees are poised to bounce back and demonstrate their potential as a top contender. The series opener promises to be an exciting start to a crucial four-game set.
