Padres News: Juan Soto Feels Great Despite Disappearing in Dodgers Series

He's focusing on the positive.

One of the players I thought was going to play a huge role in this most recent series against the Los Angeles Dodgers was Juan Soto. Prior to this weekend, he seemed like he was finally shaking off his early season rust and was in the middle of a six-game hitting streak and was making it to the bases in 64% of his at-bats.

However, it looks like he pressed the rewind button once LA came to town as he put forth a questionable 2-13 performance over the three games and went just 1-5 in Sunday's tie breaker. The 24-year-old still has a long leash but it's getting quite frustrating to see him nonexistent in a huge series like this one. 

Looking at his teammate who only has 15 games under his belt since 2021, Fernando Tatis Jr. was able to go 6-14 over the weekend with two home runs.

Juan Soto on his progress at the plate to @SammyLev:

"I'm feeling better the last couple of days. You can tell, my swings and everything, it feels amazing. I'm just going to keep doing the same thing I've been doing...and keep trying to help the team as much as I can." pic.twitter.com/Sn4w6bh5mi

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) May 3, 2023

However, the 24-year-old slugger is still remaining confident in his abilities and he claims to have seen a lot of progress over the series despite not getting many hits.

"“I’ve been seeing the ball better,” Soto said, answering all questions afterward, looking a reporter in the eyes. “I’ve been swinging the bat better so I think I’m in a good spot now.”(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

Soto continues to be the piece that I believe can turn this whole season around for the Friars. Nando has already came in, did his job, and has been exceeding his expectations. His energy would've been enough to help the team but he's been raking at a great level already.

But Soto is obviously playing to help the clubhouse win and also himself. He should be on a mission to prove that he's worth the long-term investment and that he should not be a part of Shohei Ohtani trade rumors.

He has the chance to get hot again in this new series against the Minnesota Twins.