Soto (forearm) to miss 'at least a couple of days'

NEW YORK -- The Yankees may be without Juan Soto for this weekend’s series against the Dodgers, with manager Aaron Boone saying on Saturday that it will “at least be a couple of days” before the outfielder resumes play.

Soto underwent an MRI on Friday that showed inflammation, but no structural damage, in his ailing left forearm. Boone said that while a stint on the injured list is possible, he does not expect that to be the case.

“We’re leaning towards giving it a couple of days, for sure,” Boone said. “We’ll see how he does today moving around. It’s probably going to at least be a couple of days.”

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Soto has been prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to treat the issue. He was on the basepaths during batting practice on Saturday, but did not take swings.

Though Soto held a bat in his hands near the top step of the dugout several times during Friday’s 2-1, 11-inning loss to the Dodgers, Boone said that Soto was not considered an option to enter the game.

“It’s always tough to watch the game from the bench,” Soto said. “I want to be out there, trying to win a game with my teammates. I tried to enjoy the moment, but this is what it is. We have to take what we have right now and keep moving forward.”

With Soto out of the lineup, left fielder Alex Verdugo assumed the No. 2 spot in the batting order on Friday, with Aaron Judge moving from center field to right field. Trent Grisham started in center field, an arrangement that continued on Saturday.

Soto played in all 162 games last season for the Padres.

“I think he sees the big picture in all this, too,” Boone said. “As much as this environment, this series -- I’m sure there’s part of it that’s killing him, not being in. But I think he’s also like, I also know I want to get this inflammation out of there and we can roll.”

Soto exited Thursday’s 8-5 victory over the Twins following a 56-minute rain delay, during which he was examined by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad. Soto said on Thursday that he has been “grinding” through the discomfort, and believes that additional rest will quell the issue.

“I don't think when he goes out there [that] he's putting himself at risk or anything. It's not that kind of situation,” Boone said. “But [we] want to try and get it out of there, so we'll continue to kind of see how he's improving. When he's ready, he's ready.”

A leading candidate for the American League’s MVP award, Soto is hitting .318 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 64 games. His .424 on-base percentage is second in the Majors, behind Judge.

“He’s a big part of this team,” Judge said after Friday’s game. “We’ve seen it all year. He comes up in big moments, plays great defense and is a great clubhouse guy. It’s tough not having him out there tonight, but I’ll take missing one game over him missing a full season.”