NEW York Yankees fans begged for Juan Soto’s return on Sunday – and they’re set to get their wish.
The 25-year-old slugger has missed the last three Yankee games with left forearm inflammation.
Soto watched from the bench as New York beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 on Sunday.
Chants of “We want Soto,” rained down from the bleachers in the Bronx during the game.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak but couldn’t stop the Yankees from falling to a first series loss since late April.
Soto had a chance to play on Sunday but sat out the game at Yankee Stadium.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed to reporters the outfielder will be available for Monday’s game against the Kansas City Royals.
“That’s the hope,” Boone said prior to Sunday’s win.
“We’re not worried about him doing anything that he’s got to do baseball-wise.
“It’s just based on how he’s doing and how he’s feeling. He should be good to go.”
Soto has enjoyed a remarkable season and is hitting .318 from 64 games with 17 home runs.
New York picked him up from the Padres in a blockbuster trade last year.
“We need Soto back,” wrote one fan on X.
“The man is a cheat code,” added another.
Soto is set to become a free agent in the offseason and will command a contract worth over $500 million, per the Daily Mail.
And his Yankees teammates know all too well the impact he’s had since arriving at the ballclub.
“Only a fool would say no,” Alex Verdugo said after being asked about Soto potentially staying in the Bronx.
Five key MLB rule changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.
3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.
4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction by referees.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
“He’s a big part of our lineup. He’s a big part of how our offense rolls.
“The Soto hype’s always been there. [But] just playing with him is kind of validating.
“His vision at the plate, his ability to hit to all fields with power, it’s eye-opening.”
Sunday’s win extends the Yankees to 46-21 on the MLB season.
They are 8-2 over their last 10 games, with the two losses coming against the Dodgers on Friday and Saturday.