Juan Soto received encouraging injury news after leaving the Mets' win over the Nationals when he was hit on the right hand by a pitch.
The New York Mets received some encouraging news after a scary moment involving Juan Soto on Saturday.
Soto left the Mets' 7-1 victory over the Washington Nationals after being hit on the right hand by a pitch in the ninth inning.
X-rays taken afterward were negative for a fracture, manager Andy Green told reporters after the game. Green said he did not know whether Soto would be available for Sunday's regular-season finale.
The Mets described Soto's injury as a right-hand contusion. Soto also told reporters that he was feeling better after the game and was relieved that the X-rays showed no fracture.
Soto was facing Nationals reliever Eduardo Salazar with two outs in the ninth when an inside pitch struck him on the hand.
The Mets star immediately reacted in pain and was examined by a trainer. Soto initially remained in the game before New York ultimately removed him.
The negative X-rays were encouraging, although Soto's status for Sunday's game remains uncertain.
The incident came one day after Soto accepted responsibility for the Mets' disappointing season, saying he felt he had failed to live up to expectations after signing his massive contract with New York.
With the Mets already eliminated from postseason contention and only one game remaining, Soto's availability for Sunday's finale will depend on how his hand responds.
The injury is another concern at the end of a season in which Soto has already dealt with physical setbacks. Calf injuries interrupted his second year with New York, although he remained one of the team's most productive hitters.
For now, the Mets will have to wait and see whether the contusion keeps Soto out of their final game of the season.
