Nationals All-Star outfielder Soto injures left calf
Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto underwent an MRI exam Sunday night to determine the severity of a left calf injury.
The club said he will be re-evaluated today.
Soto exited Sunday’s 7-4 10-inning loss to the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning after the calf tightened while he was running the bases and was tagged out at home.
“He went up to hit (in the fourth) and said it was fine,”
Nationals manager Davey Martinez told reporters after the game. “All of a sudden, he ran and said it was tightening up on him.”
Soto pointed to the leg in the third inning after making a throw from right field.
The 23-year-old Soto is batting .226 with 15 homers and 33 RBIs in 79 games this season.
Soto was reportedly offered a 13-year, $425 million extension recently. The offer is $75 million more than one he turned down from the Nationals in the offseason.
Soto was National League MVP runner-up last season when he had a .313 batting average and a league-best .465 on-base percentage. He compiled 29 homers, 95 RBIs and 145 walks in 151 games and earned All-Star honors.
Jays coach leaves club after daughter’s death
Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski will be away from the team following the death of his eldest daughter. Julia Budzinski was 17.
“The Budzinskis have been part of our Blue Jays family over the last four seasons,” general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement. “This devastating loss is felt by our entire organization and we grieve alongside Bud and his family. I have known Bud for more than 25 years and have always admired his commitment as a dad and husband first. He is loved and well-respected by our entire clubhouse and holds a special place in all our hearts.”
The Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays lined up along the foul lines before first pitch Sunday for a moment of silence. Rays manager Kevin Cash said his team was “heartbroken.”
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who roomed with Budzinski during his minor league career, expressed support for his grieving friend before Detroit hosted Kansas City on Sunday.
Bullpen catcher Luis Hurtado coached first base in Budzinski’s absence.
Budzinski and manager Charlie Montoyo left the dugout in the third inning of the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader against Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays’ clubhouse was closed after the 11-5 loss.
Budzinski played four games for the Cincinnati Reds in 2003 and retired in 2005. After managing in Cleveland’s minor league system, he joined the then-Indians big league staff in 2017. Toronto hired Budzinski in November 2018.