Padres News: Juan Soto Believes He Could be Playing Even Though He's Sidelined Right Now

Padres superstar is feeling good but understands the cautiousness around his injury

San Diego fans were on the edge of their seats when they learned their superstar Juan Soto was a late scratch in the lineup in last week's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Soto was scratched from the lineup that game due to calf tightness. It doesn't seem to be a huge problem for the lefty slugger, as he played in the following two games. 

Although it is spring training, Soto wants to be out there but told San Diego Tribunes Kevin Acee he understands why he is still being sidelined. 

“I can keep going,” he said Sunday morning. “I mean if it’s a game in the season, I can keep playing. They just want to be careful with it. There is no reason to keep pushing. … They want to make sure I’m ready to go and 100 percent.”

It's better to be safe than sorry with the 24-year-old. He is already one of the best players in the league, and you'll need him to be successful this season. 

The Padres say his calf is not as serious; however, they will monitor it for the time being. 

Soto will be entering his first full season as a Padre after being traded to San Diego last summer and propelling them to their first NLCS appearance since 1998. 

In 52 games as a Padre in 2022, Soto slashed .236/.388/.390 with a .778 OPS and a 130 OPS+. The lefty also hit 6 home runs and 16 RBIs in 182 ABs. 

It is not worth risking anything with your players, especially with Soto; if the Padres feel like he shouldn't play, then so be it. The Padres have higher hopes than spring training games. Their only goal should be to get out of these spring games healthy and ready to go for a long and dominant season.