SAN DIEGO — New York Mets slugger Juan Soto was removed from Tuesday night’s 7-1 loss to the Padres a half-inning after fouling a ball off his left foot in the fourth inning.
Soto appeared to be in considerable pain. He hopped down the first-base line on his right foot and then crouched down. He was checked by a trainer, took a few swings and then finished his at-bat, grounding out to second baseman Jake Cronenworth, who made a nice diving stop.
X-rays were negative and Soto has a bruised foot, the team said.
Jeff McNeil moved from center field to right field, and Tyrone Taylor entered the game batting third and playing center.
Soto came in batting .249 with 25 homers and 62 RBIs.
Soto joined the Mets in December when he signed the biggest contract in baseball history, a $765 million, 15-year deal.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
