Juan Soto was initially penciled in as the Washington Nationals’ left fielder and No. 2 hitter for the series opener with the Atlanta Braves this afternoon, but shortly before the start of Game 1 of today’s doubleheader, the 21-year-old outfielder was scratched with a sore left elbow.
Manager Davey Martinez didn’t mention any concerns about Soto in his pregame presser, so there was no information on how big an issue it was, but any injury concerns with their hard-hitting outfielder are worrisome.
Josh Harrison moved from third base to left field with Soto out and Wilmer Difo, who’d started just once in the club’s first 35 game this season, slotted in at third base.