Juan Soto’s defense plays part in Mets’ win over Phillies: ‘It’s always great to have some role’

Juan Soto wasn’t able to come through for the Mets with the bat during Wednesday’s win over the Phillies — but he still found a way to make his mark. 

The superstar hasn’t exactly been known for his outfield defense throughout his career — but that’s exactly where his impact was felt the most during this one. 

With two on and two outs in a 2-2 game in the top of the eighth, Phillies outfielder Max Kepler lined what appeared to be a go-ahead single to right off of Jose Butto; however, Soto fielded the ball and came up throwing.  

The throw was a bit off line but catcher Hayden Senger made a terrific play behind the plate, quickly reaching over to slap the tag on the sliding Nick Castellanos, just in time to keep the score tied and the inning. 

It was Soto’s first outfield assist as a Met — and it was a huge one.

“It was pretty good,” Carlos Mendoza said. “Soto getting behind the ball and then Senger making sure he catches the baseball and then quickly applying the tag — but the one hope from Soto, just getting behind the ball and making that one hope throw, it was a well-executed play.”

The Mets were able to keep things evened up after that before heading into extras.

In the top of the 10th, the Phillies were able to bring across the ghost runner from second base against Edwin Diaz before he was forced out of the game due to a left hip cramp.

Max Kranick then entered and somehow worked his way out of a bases-loaded jam before the Mets fought right back and scored two runs of their own, securing the sweep on a Starling Marte walk-off hit.

“This is a team that doesn’t give up,” Soto said. “We keep working day in and day out every inning — it doesn’t matter if we’re winning by a lot of losing by a lot, I think the guys have been showing that we just never give up.”

Despite finishing the day 1-for-4 with a punchout, the 26-year-old was happy to be able to come through somehow.

“It’s always great to have some role and play a part in the game,” Soto said. “I’m trying my best to come through with the bat, but whenever that doesn’t come through, I have to do something else to help. We play defense, we run the bases right — today I had the chance to help the team with my defense.”

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