"The energy is still up, we're still believing and grinding every day" - Juan Soto opens up on how Yankees are weathering their current slump
The New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto feels that the vibe in the dressing room is still quite strong despite the massive slump that the team is going through right now. He said that the experience has been difficult for the players to deal with, but the team is still working hard to get out of the rut.
Juan Soto has been one of the few shining lights for the Yankees lineup this season after signing a 1-year, $31 million deal before reaching free agency. He presently has a .294/.430/.554 slashline with 10 home runs and 176 OPS+.
Soto spoke to reporters on Sunday evening after a 3-0 defeat to the Boston Red Sox in the deciding rubber of the three-game home series. He gave his thoughts on the atmosphere within the team during this slump and how the players are reacting to it.
"It's tough. Everybody is aware of what we are going through. I think the energy is still up, we're still believing and grinding every day. We're coming with the same energy. I feel that's really positive on our side," Soto said.
The Bronx Bombers were shutout at home by the Red Sox, with their starting pitcher, Kutter Crawford, lasting seven innings and allowing just four hits. Luis Gil, the Yankees rookie, also had an excellent start following his recent struggles. Gil pitched six scoreless innings before giving up a run in the seventh, but the bullpen faltered once again for the home team while the offense had another poor outing.
Tough stretch for Juan Soto and Aaron Judge coninciding with Yankees slump
The New York Yankees were the best team in the MLB a month ago, thanks largely to the contributions from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Both are MVP candidates, but the production from the rest of the line-up has been well below par. As a result, the Yankees offense has broken down completely of late, with their two superstar sluggers currently going through a tough period.
Juan Soto only has 11 hits from his last 18 games at an abysmal .186 average with just three home runs and 8 RBI. Aaron Judge is also going through a barren spell, with only five hits and one home run in July.
Meanwhile, the Bronx Bombers have had a miserable 5-15 record since July 15, while they have also lost each of the last five series played at Yankee Stadium.